Himalayan Encounters Exhibition Opens at India International Centre

New Delhi, April 21, 2026 — An important exhibition titled “Himalayan Encounters – Hidden Views from 170 Years Ago: The Schlagintweit Drawings/Images in India” has opened at the India International Centre (Annexe, 40 Max Mueller Marg, New Delhi). The exhibition, which will run from April 22 to April 29, 2026, was inaugurated on April 21 at 5:00 PM by distinguished guests S. N. Shrivastava and Ashok Bhowmick.

The exhibition features rare drawings and images depicting Himalayan landscapes, local communities, and cultural life from nearly 170 years ago. These works were created by the German explorer brothers, the Schlagintweits, during their expeditions across the Himalayas, offering a unique historical perspective of the region.

Open daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, the exhibition provides visitors with a rare opportunity to explore early visual documentation of the Himalayas, created at a time when modern photography and technological tools were still in their infancy.

The inaugural program was anchored by Ankita Ojha, who conducted the proceedings in a well-organized and engaging manner.

The event witnessed the presence of several eminent scholars, artists, and members of civil society. Notable attendees included Prof. Hermann, Prof Shekhar Pathak, Prof. Prakash Upadhyay, Chandan Dangi, Dr. Kamal Karnatak, Dr. Harisuman Bisht, K.C. Pandey, Col. Bipin Pandey, Nirmal Chandra Dandriyal (director of the film Motibagh), Tushar Pande, Hridayesh Joshi, Brig. Mishra, Seema Uniyal, Sabin Ji, N.S. Rana, Umesh Pant, Dinesh Fulara, Khushal Singh Rawat, Harish Pathak, Vineet Agrawal, Peetambari Pal Bampa, and Tuli Rana from the Niti-Mana Valley, among others.

The artworks on display vividly capture the natural beauty of the Himalayas, the lifestyle of its people, traditional attire, and distinctive geographical features with remarkable detail and artistic sensitivity. Being exhibited extensively in India for the first time, this collection offers viewers access to historically and culturally valuable material.

The exhibition has been widely appreciated by visitors and dignitaries alike, who have described it as a significant cultural initiative. It not only presents a confluence of history and art but also contributes meaningfully to the preservation and promotion of Himalayan heritage.

Special Interactive Session on April 22

As part of the exhibition, a special session titled “Conversations on Schlagintweit Drawings” will be held on April 22, 2026, at 5:30 PM at Lecture Room No. 2, Annexe, India International Centre.

The session will be chaired by noted poet, critic, and editor Ashok Vajpeyi. The keynote address will be delivered by Hermann Kreutzmann from Freie Universität, Berlin, on the topic “The German Role in Himalayan Understanding with Special Reference to Schlagintweit Brothers.”

Additionally, Shekhar Pathak, founder of PAHAR, will speak on “Remembering Nain Singh Rawat,” highlighting his association with the Schlagintweit brothers and his significant contributions to the exploration and understanding of the Himalayas.

Overall, the exhibition and its associated events provide a rich intellectual and cultural platform for understanding the historical narratives of Himalayan exploration and continue to attract scholars, enthusiasts, and the general public alike.