About US

Five Benches takes its name from a site in the Himalayas that marks a meeting point of ecology and growth, of the east and west, of society and nature and of history and the future. This spot in the western Himalayas represents the majesty of nature that is represented in the Himalayas, the traditions of one of the oldest civilizations & of the Indo-Tibetan communities that have lived here for centuries, the coming of industrialization and globalization through the British that developed a beautiful town here in these hills and the collective aspirations of the people of the world that always seek to explore and expand the limits of knowledge while preserving what’s best of the past.

Five Benches aims to contribute to this unique heritage through its various activities. Five Benches is an organization aimed at exploring this Himalayan region and working towards greater integration of the Himalayan communities into the global mainstream.

Five benches is working towards increasing participation of artists, philosophers, environmentalists, scientists, sport enthusiasts, economists and explorers from around the world in the future of the Himalayas . We aim to provide information and access to those who are enthusiastic about this part of the world and believe there needs to be greater integration of the communities and ecology of the Himalayas with the rest of the world. We are working towards setting out projects in specific communities that bring best practices, relevant technologies and the most progressive ideas to the people that live here. Also we endeavor to bring out the traditions and resources of these great mountains into the global mainstream.

In addition to conceptualizing and presenting relevant projects to the local authorities and governments, our activities will include a series of events linked to the arts, sciences, economics and sport to be held in Shimla where the five benches are based. Shimla is a hill town in the western Himalayas in the Northern Indian State of Himachal which affords good access and requisite infrastructure for such an event while also being in the heart of the communities that have inhabited the Himalayas for centuries. At this annual festival, we will have some of the most exciting new musicians, pioneering authors, economists, dramatists, film-makers and environmentalists, experience the latest in technology, eat some great food and above all enjoy the Himalayas.

We will also take note of projects involving conservation, outdoor sports, tourism, town planning and education in and around Shimla and reward some of the best ideas and projects.