Cultural Activist Kuldeep Guleria Honored for His Dedication to Himachal Pradesh's Heritage
Celebrating Cultural Heritage in Himachal Pradesh
Munish Sood
Mandi
In a heartfelt tribute to a lifetime of commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh, the Rotary Club Sundernagar recognized the remarkable contributions of cultural activist Kuldeep Guleria during its 20th Annual Installation and Felicitation Ceremony at Hotel Ashiana.
Guleria received this esteemed accolade for his outstanding efforts in 2025–26 aimed at safeguarding and revitalizing Mandyali folk traditions, alongside his unwavering dedication to cultural education and community service. This honor reflects nearly four decades of relentless work focused on documenting and promoting indigenous art forms that are integral to Himachal's cultural identity.
The award was presented by Vijay Sahdev, the District Governor Elect (2027–28) for the Rotary District encompassing Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir, who served as the Chief Guest and Installation Officer. He was joined by District Secretary (Administration) Surendra Singh Multani. The ceremony also featured Rotary Club Sundernagar President Dr. Sarla Gautam, Secretary Vimal Sharma, retired Joint Director (Technical Education) R.K. Sharma, and Prof. Mahendra Chaudhary, who all honored Guleria in front of a distinguished audience.
Recognized as a leading figure in preserving folk heritage in Himachal Pradesh, Guleria is the founder-president of Mandavya Kala Manch and is known for his extensive work in theatre, as a compere, and as a versatile artist. For 39 years, he has been pivotal in efforts to maintain the state's vanishing folk traditions while fostering connections between younger generations and their cultural heritage.
One of his notable achievements includes the revival of Luddi, a celebrated folk dance from Mandi district that had nearly disappeared by the 1990s. After conducting nearly a year of thorough research and documentation, Guleria played a crucial role in its revival, successfully reintegrating it into mainstream cultural performances. His conservation initiatives have also encompassed various endangered traditional art forms, such as Banthda, Buthda, Mandyali Gidda, Nagariya, Charkati, and numerous folk songs tied to local customs and rituals.
MLA Rakesh Jamwal graced the event as the Guest of Honour. The gathering also included office-bearers and members from Rotary Clubs across Sundernagar, Mandi, Nerchowk, Bilaspur, and Ghumarwin, along with notable figures from various sectors.
The ceremony wrapped up with the installation of the new leadership for Rotary Club Sundernagar for the 2026–27 Rotary year. Incoming President Rakesh Sen and Secretary Naresh Dhiman expressed their appreciation to the esteemed guests, awardees, and members for their support and attendance.
The recognition awarded to Kuldeep Guleria transcends personal achievement. It highlights the increasing significance of preserving Himachal Pradesh’s intangible cultural heritage and celebrates the ongoing efforts of individuals dedicated to keeping the state's rich folk traditions vibrant, relevant, and accessible for future generations.