Tracing Stories and Science: Immersive Internship Research in Lippa and Asrang

In this phase of our Summer Research Internship at Saryan Vigyan Foundation, our interns dived deeper into fieldwork. Welcome to a whirlwind look at the new chapter of our summer internship in the valleys and villages of Kinnaur, where science, tradition, and a whole lot of teamwork made for unforgettable days.

Scientific exploration and research in Lippa 

For Anjali, it was a homecoming of sorts. A native of Lippa village, she returned not just as a daughter of the land but as a researcher, keen to document the traditional plant knowledge held by her community. Alongside Poonam, she trekked through meadows and valleys, gathering stories and species, and learning from elders who have long lived in dialogue with their landscape.

They explored the high-altitude pastures and reached Ronnam Sorang (lake), collecting herbarium specimens and documenting plants like Rheum webbianum and Bergenia stracheyi, long used in local medicine. Yet, some challenges stood in the way: The team faced difficulties preserving collected specimens due to limited equipment. 

Still, Anjali's familiarity with the village proved invaluable. They could identify local knowledge holders and community elders whose insights helped them navigate both the terrain and the social landscape. Poonam, though new to the region, began to find her rhythm.

Friendship, Fieldwork, and the Language of Care

For Poonam, the visit to Lippa brought quiet excitement and gentle challenges. It was her first time in this region of Kinnaur, where the landscape felt vast and unfamiliar, and the local language was something she didn’t understand. But what might have felt distant soon became welcoming, largely because of the companionship of her host, Anjali.

As they explored together, Anjali guided conversations with villagers while Poonam listened closely, taking notes and helping with plant observations. Though she couldn’t always follow the words being spoken, she watched for meaning in gestures, tone, and expressions. Over time, she began picking up simple phrases and greetings. Even without shared language, her presence was felt and appreciated. What stood out was her quiet attentiveness and the sincerity with which she engaged with the people and the place.

Evenings in Anjali’s home opened up another kind of learning. Poonam joined her host family in processing barley, helping to separate the barley heads, a small but significant step in the making of the traditional dish, satu. These intimate, everyday acts offered her deeper insight into how agriculture, food, and culture are entwined in mountain life.

In Asrang: A Spring of Biodiversity

While the plant team worked in Lippa, Shashwat headed to Asrang with Dr. Kumar Gaurav and Dr Preeti to study springs and the surrounding ecologies. The core purpose of the visit to Asrang was to conduct hydrogeological surveys near the region’s freshwater springs and study the flora associated with these springs. While he was helping Dr. Preeti with surveying the flora of the wetland around the springs, in his free time, he spent time collecting and identifying the insects. His work added a crucial ecological layer to the team’s understanding of how water availability, vegetation, and biodiversity interact in these sensitive high-altitude environments. He collected a variety of species such as blister beetles, robber flies, bumble bees, and ants using sweep nets and collection vials. He learned to mark GPS locations, observe microhabitats, and manage the rough terrain (above 4000 m elevation), all while refining his understanding of ecological research methods.

From Data to Understanding

Our interns push their boundaries, climbing higher, asking better questions, and discovering what real-world research in Kinnaur is all about. The interns navigated difficult terrain, shifting weather conditions, and unfamiliar languages with patience, resilience, and a shared sense of purpose. Along the way, they uncovered valuable plant knowledge held by local shepherds, observed how the uses and names of flora vary across Kinnauri villages, and experienced firsthand how community relationships enrich scientific inquiry. Whether assisting in household tasks, mapping insect diversity near springs, or conducting interviews rooted in trust, each intern contributed a unique perspective shaped by attentiveness and care. Not only was data collection involved, but the fieldwork was also about deep listening, cultural immersion, and growing clarity about the role of place-based research. 

Through teamwork, resilient spirits, and new friendships, Saryan Vigyan’s crew is already making science fun, fresh, and truly local. Stay tuned because in Kinnaur, there’s always another story blooming just around the next bend!