Abstract

Indigenous people living in geographically remote places have been a favorite “target” for anthropologists, epidemiologists, and explorers. The physical and spiritual environment and the biologic characteristics of isolated populations are of interest to scholars pursuing the origin and the limits of human activities. Infectious disease has been a particularly popular subject of field research and speculation. The examples of epidemic catastrophes among island people and following the European entrance into the Americas have established a pessimistic and hostile attitude to the intrusion of urban, cosmopolitan visitors among remote villagers. However, remote does not automatically mean isolation! This is especially true for Ladakh. The history of travel and trade through Ladakh destroys the notion that the region is the equivalent of a remote island. The migratory pattern of birds adds to the transport of animal and human pathogens through the region. Ladakh has protected and maintained its traditional culture for more than a millennium despite the waxing and waning of plagues and invaders. Its stability is perhaps because it is remote enough to be left alone most of the time but accessible enough for infectious pathogens to circulate and maintain immunocompetence throughout the population.


Please forward any correspondence To:
Richard V. Lee, M.D.
7664 East Quaker Road
Orchard Park, NY 14127
716-667-3304 phone/fax
dmdrvl@buffalo.edu

14th IALS Colloquium

We are pleased to announce that the 14th IALS Colloquium will take place in Leh, Ladakh, from 16th to 19th July 2009.


Call for Papers
We welcome proposals for papers on a wide range of topics related to Ladakh.  All papers should be based on original research, reflecting material not previously published.

Call for Film/digital media
We welcome screening of videos and films related to Ladakh, both documentary as well as feature. Preferred language is English, or with English subtitles.

All proposals are subject to review.

Please send abstracts of approximately 250 words by 1st December 2008 to: Monisha Ahmed, Hon. Secretary IALS

IALS Membership is required for Program participation.