Synthetic prayer flags have been enthusiastically embraced throughout Tibet, the Himalayas, and Buddhist communities around the world in the last three decades. Originally intended to carry prayers and blessings on the wind and express the responsibility Tibetan and Himalayan communities have toward the land, water, and air, the mass production of synthetic prayer flags have made them more ubiquitous and easy to procure. With the discovery of microplastics in the high mountains and rubbish in glaciers and streams, critical discussions have emerged around prayer flag sustainability. In his talk and workshops, Dr. Bhutia will speak about these developments and lead participants in making traditional prayer flags using natural dyes from his village as a way to explore how local communities are addressing ecological issues and practicing Indigenous ecological justice and sovereignty.

Please register via the above registration button. Registration is required for attendance.

Event Schedule:

• 11am-12pm Introductory talk (Room 202)
• 12-1pm Lunch
• 1-2.30 Workshop 1 – for 20-25 people (Room 210)
• 3-4.30 Workshop 2 – for 20-25 people (Room 210)

Dr. Kalzang Dorjee Bhutia (he/him) is a Lhopo scholar from western Sikkim. He is a Senior Fellow at the Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, India, and the Institute of Global Value Inquiry, Germany. He completed his PhD in Buddhist Studies at the University of Delhi. His research has been funded by the American Council of Learned Societies, Robert H. N. Ho Foundation, and the Wenner-Gren Foundation.

Presented by the Center for South Asian Studies and co-sponsored by the American Indian Resource Center (AIRC) and the Center for Racial Justice (CRJ). This event is open to all students, faculty, staff, and members of the public consistent with University policy and state and federal law.