The Embassy of France in India and the French Institute in India, in collaboration with the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Gangtok, organised a landmark cultural initiative presenting an exhibition titled “Alexandra David-Neel in Sikkim: A Journey into Buddhism (1912–1916)”, alongside an international symposium in honour of Alexandra David-Neel, “In Her Footsteps: Great Women in the Himalayas.”
Bringing together scholars, institutions, and international partners, this ambitious project curated by anthropologist Dr Anna Balikci invited audiences to rediscover the legacy of Franco-Belgian explorer Alexandra David-Neel, while shining new light on the often-overlooked trajectories of remarkable women across the Himalayan region.
Across the Himalayas, extraordinary women have made lasting contributions to culture, education, religion, and social transformation—yet many of these narratives remain underrepresented. This initiative sought to foreground these voices, situating Alexandra David-Neel’s journey within a broader continuum of women who shaped the region as explorers, thinkers, spiritual practitioners, and cultural transmitters.
The exhibition opened at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in the presence of distinguished guests, including H.E. Mr Om Prakash Mathur, Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim; H.E. Dr Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India; H.E. Mr Didier Vanderhasselt, Ambassador of Belgium to India and H.E. Ms Maya Tissafi, Ambassador of Switzerland to India, whose respective embassies supported this project, likewise graced the opening with their presence.
A rich, immersive project, the exhibition wove together archival materials from the Maison Alexandra David-Neel museum in Digne-les-Bains, visual narratives, and historical research to retrace David-Neel’s transformative years in Sikkim—years that played a defining role in shaping her engagement with Buddhist philosophy and Himalayan cultures.
The international symposium brought together leading researchers from Europe and South Asia to explore the lives and legacies of Himalayan women who had distinguished themselves as figures of transmission, resistance, and innovation across cultural, spiritual, and social spheres.
During his address, Ambassador Thierry Mathou highlighted: “Alexandra David-Neel’s influence on young women in France has been significant. Her legacy could be understood in several ways: as a symbol of intellectual independence, a model for female explorers, and an early bridge between Europe and Asian spiritual traditions. (…) Her years in Sikkim created enduring intellectual and cultural ties between our two regions stretching back to over a century, and through her writings she brought the spiritual and cultural richness of the Himalayas to Europe. This initiative honoured not only Alexandra David-Neel, but all the women whose contributions continue to inspire us.”
