On 6 March, an engaging conversation on memory, storytelling and regional histories unfolded at the Jadunath Bhawan Museum and Resource Centre in Kolkata. Organised by Pastconnect, the Pastconnect Talks panel titled "Stories from the Hills – a retelling of their pasts" brought together authors, publishers and historians to discuss the importance of preserving narratives from India’s Himalayan regions.The panel featured Anuradha Sharma, Sharda Chhetri and Lekha Rai in conversation with historian Paranjya Sen, with expert commentary from Prof. Subhas Ranjan Chakravarty. Together, they reflected on how stories—whether written, remembered or retold—play a crucial role in shaping collective memory and cultural identity.Speaking as the founder of Foothills Publishing, Lekha Rai shared the journey that led to the creation of the publishing house. For the past six years, she explained, their book café has served as a small but vibrant cultural space dedicated to keeping the voices of the region alive. By hosting discussions, readings and literary gatherings, it has provided a platform for writers from the hills to share their stories and perspectives.Through Foothills Publishing, she hopes to expand that initiative further by amplifying voices from the region and beyond—particularly those that are often unheard or underrepresented. She highlighted the publishing house’s strong focus on children’s literature, noting the striking absence of stories for young readers that emerge from the Himalayan region. Representation, she stressed, is essential in helping younger generations see themselves, their landscapes and their histories reflected in the books they read, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and identity.She also spoke about Foothills Publishing’s upcoming biography series, which aims to bring to light inspiring lives and lesser-known figures from the region. She acknowledged that while there is a lively and growing ecosystem of writers, storytellers and independent publishers in the hills, challenges remain—particularly in the realm of bookselling and distribution, where smaller publishers often struggle to reach wider audiences.Author Anuradha Sharma echoed some of these concerns, speaking about her work on Ganju Lama VC, Sikkim’s Hero in War and Peace and the importance of making such histories accessible to younger readers. She too noted the lack of children’s literature emerging from the region, emphasizing how stories of local heroes and histories can inspire and educate future generations.Throughout the evening, the discussion returned to a central theme: that storytelling is not only about recording the past but also about sustaining cultural memory and identity.