Pithoragarh, November 07, 2025: A proud and inspiring moment for Uttarakhand’s academic and cultural community took place today at the Nagar Nigam Hall, Pithoragarh, where eminent scholar Dr. Shital Singh Bhandari unveiled his landmark work, “The Place Name Study of Kumaon Region.”
The event was graced by Shri Ashish Kumar Bhatgai, IAS, District Magistrate, Pithoragarh, as Chief Guest; Prof. Narinder Singh Bhandari, Former Vice Chancellor, Soban Jina University, as Guest of Honour; and Mrs. Kalpana Devlal, Hon’ble Mayor of Pithoragarh, as the Presiding Dignitary.
The book is the result of four years of extensive research, covering nearly 3,000 place names across the Kumaon region. It explores how the names of villages, rivers, and valleys encapsulate the linguistic, cultural, and historical essence of the land — preserving stories of geography, faith, and ancestral customs.
In his address, Dr. Bhandari observed that “place names are not mere identifiers but enduring imprints of human existence. Each name is a whisper from the past — of landscapes shaped, ancestral customs preserved, and communities grown — reminding us who we are and where we belong.”
Chief Guest Shri Ashish Kumar Bhatgai, IAS, praised the book as “a bridge between history and identity, inspiring younger generations to reconnect with their cultural geography.”
Presiding Dignitary Mrs. Kalpana Devlal, Mayor of Pithoragarh, added, “This book will help future generations understand that every name in Kumaon carries a part of our collective identity and memory. It is not just a record of places, but a reflection of who we are as a people.”
Prof. Narinder Singh Bhandari commended its academic depth, stating, “This research transcends linguistics — it preserves the spirit of Kumaon’s civilization through the power of names.”
Adding to the honour, Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami conveyed his congratulations through an appreciation letter, describing the book as “a valuable contribution that connects future generations with their roots and strengthens the living traditions of Uttarakhand’s culture.”