About the Book A VISUALLY PLEASING COLLECTION OF INTIMATE PORTRAITS OF LADAKH AND ITS PEOPLE The story of Ladakh is more than just its breathtaking lakes, the clear blue or star-studded skies, the dizzying mountain passes and ancient Buddhist monasteries. It is the story of a culture, a way of life that has constantly striven to preserve its essence while adapting to the constant state of flux it has been in since India's independence. People Called Ladakh is a heart-warming anthology of slice-of-life stories about Ladakh's unique identity, told through the everyday experiences, livelihoods, rituals, practices and belief systems of its people. The writers who have contributed to this anthology come from diverse backgrounds. They include researchers, cultural practitioners, local architects, anthropology students, as well as a Buddhist nun. Through the lens of the people of Ladakh, and more importantly, through the lens of 'empathy', the thirty-two pieces in this collection paint a rich and intimate picture of today's Ladakh. About the Curators Nisha Nair-Gupta is an architect, urban researcher and writer. She is currently a PhD research scholar in the Centre of Urban Science and Engineering at IIT-Mumbai, with a keen research interest in urban mobilities, social spaces and spatial justice. She spearheads the publishing initiative 'People Place Project', which has been invested in urban research, pedagogy and publication since its inception. As part of a publication initiative looking at creating literature/books/writing/media on urban consciousness, her responsibilities are creative, editorial, content and growth strategies. She has published five books as a curator and editor. Shashi Velath is the CEO of Tinge of Green, an ecosystem enabler and builder working in the sustainability solutions space. A renowned war and investigative journalist, he has earned prestigious awards such as the Ramnath Goenka Award and a Green Oscar. Transitioning into the social sector, he led international non-profits in fostering cross-sector collaborations and addressing complex societal challenges. With a passion for designing innovative strategies for sustainable development goals, Shashi now spearheads Tinge of Green's mission. The organisation focuses on fostering collaboration, innovation and growth within the sustainability sector through platforms, investments, partnerships, research support, policy advocacy, education and sustainability.