Ranchi, Oct 8: Usha Martin University (UMU) on Wednesday inaugurated the Usha Martin Centre for Tribal Rights & Customs (UM-CTRC) to promote research, documentation and academic engagement on tribal rights, traditions and cultural heritage.
Alok S. Kachhap, director of the Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Ranchi, was the chief guest at the inauguration, while Shamsher Alam, assistant professor at the Central University of Jharkhand, attended as the guest speaker.
The programme began with the dignitaries paying homage to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, followed by the inauguration of the centre and a tour of its newly established facility.
Kachhap stressed the importance of systematic research and documentation of tribal communities, emphasising the need to study indigenous knowledge, traditions and social practices with academic sensitivity and respect.
Alam highlighted the role of interdisciplinary research in understanding tribal society, cultural practices and the changing social realities of tribal communities.
Madhulika Kaushik, pro-chancellor of UMU, said the centre reflected the university’s commitment to connecting higher education with the social and cultural realities of Jharkhand.
Officiating Vice-Chancellor Sumar Vir Singh said academic platforms were needed to bring students and researchers closer to the region’s diverse communities and knowledge traditions.
The centre will organise research activities, seminars, lectures, documentation initiatives and community engagement programmes involving scholars, students, tribal representatives and practitioners.
The university said the initiative aims to contribute to the preservation of tribal heritage and deepen academic understanding of tribal rights, knowledge systems, customs and contemporary challenges.
