Central University of Odisha Hosts Special Lecture on Tribal Development
Koraput, 12th March 2025 : The Department of Sociology at Central University of Odisha (CUO) successfully organized a special lecture titled “Tribe and Tribal Development: Challenges, Approaches, and Contemporary Discourse” on 12th March 2025. The event, which was held on the university campus, was conducted under the guidance of Prof. Chakradhar Tripathi, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of CUO. Prof. Tripathi extended his full support and best wishes to the students, staff, and faculty members of the department.The lecture aimed to bring attention to the key challenges faced by tribal communities in India and discuss pathways for their sustainable development. Prof. Saubhagya Ranjan Padhi, the Head of the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, was the guest speaker for the event.
In his address, Prof. Padhi explored the conceptual ambiguities surrounding the term “tribe” and critically examined how colonial narratives and administrative classifications have long shaped the understanding of tribal communities. He highlighted the importance of recognizing the unique social structures, cultural practices, and identities of tribal groups, which are often overlooked in mainstream development approaches. Prof. Padhi stressed the need for development programs that are not externally imposed but are instead driven by the perspectives and needs of the tribal communities themselves.
The event also emphasized CUO’s continued commitment to advancing tribal research, policy advocacy, and community engagement. By organizing such discussions, the university aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on tribal development, ensuring that indigenous knowledge and identities remain integral to India’s overall development goals.
Dr. Saubhagya Laxmi Singh, Assistant Professor at CUO and Coordinator of the Special Lecture, introduced the guest speaker, while Dr. Kapila Khemundu, Head of the Department of Sociology, CUO, emphasized the importance of tribal development in today’s context. Dr. Khemundu pointed out that tribal communities, as marginalized groups, must not be isolated or neglected, especially in light of India’s aspirations for self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and the vision of a developed country (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
The lecture was summarized by Mr. Rajesh Kumar Sahu, followed by a vote of thanks from Miss Ishita. Active participation was observed from faculty members including Dr. Deepthi Shankaer, Dr. Aditya Keshari Mishra, Dr. Nupur Pattanaik, Dr. Elisha Mohanty, and Dr. Manash Ranjan Mallick from the Department of Sociology, along with Dr. Ravita Pathak, Assistant Professor in the Department of Education, and the students of CUO.
This event underscores CUO’s ongoing efforts to address the complexities of tribal development, promote inclusive education, and provide a platform for meaningful dialogue on these critical issues
