Poddar explores Kalimpong’s layered history, identity at Gangtok book discussion

HEMIKA NAG

GANGTOK,: Scholar and author Prem Poddar explored Kalimpong’s layered history, multicultural character and evolving identity during a discussion on his book “Through the India-China Borders, Kalimpong in the Himalayas” at Rachna Books here on September 30.

Poddar, who co-authored the book with Lisa Lindkvist Zhang and was in conversation with journalist and writer Pema Wangchuk, said the book examines Kalimpong as a town shaped by trade, migration, borders and encounters among different cultures and nationalities.

Published by Cambridge University Press last year, the book took 12 years to write, although the idea had been developing in Poddar’s mind for nearly three decades.

Wangchuk described the book as “accessible, witty, empathetic, engaging and entertaining”.

Poddar emphasised the need to document the histories of smaller towns that often remain outside mainstream historical narratives. He said towns across the eastern Himalayas, including Gangtok, could benefit from works that place local histories at the centre.

The discussion examined the idea of Kalimpong as a “border cosmopolis”, with Poddar drawing comparisons with Darjeeling and Gangtok. He said Kalimpong acquired a particularly multicultural character because of its location along historic trade routes.

Recalling his childhood in 10th Mile, Poddar spoke of growing up amid different languages and communities. He described the experience as a “mish mash-ness” that left a lasting imprint on his thinking.

“I have lived away for more than 30 years, there is a distance, but there is also a memorable association,” he said, reflecting on his continuing connection with Kalimpong.

Poddar also spoke about the book’s original proposed title, “China in India”, which was rejected by the publisher as potentially controversial. He said the book developed around questions of borders, interfaces and how people make sense of political and geographical divisions.

Kalimpong’s role in India-China relations, Chinese migration, the displacement and internment of Chinese people in India following the war, and the remnants of Chinese communities in the region were among the subjects discussed.

Describing borders as “cartographies of the mind”, Poddar said they could be provisional and shaped by colonial histories. He also discussed his interest in the politics of passports and the construction of nationality and identity around borders.

The town’s linguistic diversity was another focus. As many as 119 mother tongues have been recorded in the region, although Poddar said far fewer languages are actively represented in everyday life today. He attributed the decline partly to the region’s changing history and rapid globalisation.

“Most transit points are becoming almost homogeneous in both appearance and nature. Something similar can be found happening in Kalimpong right now too,” he said.

Poddar also addressed Kalimpong’s reputation as a “nest of spies”, saying the town’s identity should not be reduced to espionage and geopolitics despite its historical international significance.

Discussing Zhang’s contribution, Poddar said her Chinese background brought a different perspective to the book. He noted that she was conscious of how certain discussions could be perceived and that the authors had to find ways to include critical material while maintaining the work’s scholarly approach.

The book, Poddar said, was also a personal debt to his hometown. “I at least owe a debt to write a narrative,” he said, adding that his academic training eventually gave him a way to bring the idea into book form.

During the question-and-answer session, Poddar explained the use of “India-China border” in the title rather than “India-Tibet border”, saying Tibet continues to exist in historical and mental consciousness but its status as a territorial entity has been fundamentally altered by China’s claims over Tibet.

The discussion concluded with Poddar urging aspiring writers to be patient with their ideas, allow them time to develop, read widely and build their own libraries to strengthen critical thinking.