A two-day National Seminar titled “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of India: Challenges and Prospects of Inclusive Development” was successfully organized on 29–30 April 2025 under the joint aegis of K.K.M. College, Pakur (a constituent unit of Sido Kanhu Murmu University, Dumka) and Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, University of Delhi. The event was financially supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi.
The seminar aimed to foster an inclusive and policy-oriented dialogue around the social, cultural, economic, and political concerns of India’s Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). The inaugural session was chaired by Prof. Bimal Prasad Singh, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Sido Kanhu Murmu University. Padma Shri awardee Smt. Chami Murmu delivered the keynote address, presenting critical insights into the lived realities of PVTGs and the urgent need to safeguard their traditional rights and livelihoods.
Dr. Yugal Jha, Principal of K.K.M. College and Seminar Coordinator, outlined the objectives, structure, and thematic focus of the seminar. Distinguished guests included Prof. Sada Nand Prasad, Principal of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, University of Delhi; Prof. Pamela Singla (University of Delhi); Dr. Jainendra Yadav (Sido Kanhu Murmu University); and Prof. Pramodini Hembram, all of whom offered valuable perspectives on the subject. More than 50 academics, researchers, and social practitioners from esteemed institutions including the University of Delhi, National Law School of India University (Bengaluru), Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (Amarkantak), Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya (Wardha), and Visva-Bharati (Santiniketan) participated in the seminar and presented their research papers.
Eminent scholars such as Prof. Bishnu Mohan Dash, Prof. Sujit Kumar, Prof. Chintranjan Subudhi, Dr Mithilesh Kumar Tiwari, Shri Victor Kumar Malto, Prof. M. K. Bajpayee, Dr. Shiv Prasad Lohra, and Shri Kumar Satyam contributed significantly to the deliberations, offering policy-relevant recommendations for tribal development.
The valedictory session was graced by Prof. Sada Nand Prasad, Dr. Yugal Jha, and Dr. Shivprasad Lohra, former Principal of K.K.M. College. A comprehensive seminar report was presented by Prof. Bishnu Mohan Dash.
Shri Kumar Satyam, the Seminar Coordinator, delivered the formal vote of thanks. The seminar sessions were conducted in a well-structured and effective manner by a dedicated team of faculty members including Dr. Manohar Kumar, Dr. Shakuntala Munda, Dr. Sweety Marandi, Dr. Anshu, Dr. Joyna, Dr. Sushila Hansda, Dr. Somi Ali, and Dr. Avinash Tiwari. The support and coordination of the entire K.K.M. College staff, including Shri Achinto, played a crucial role in the successful execution of the event.
A cultural evening featuring traditional Santhal folk dances and songs offered participants an immersive experience into the region’s vibrant tribal culture, adding depth to the academic discourse. This seminar served not only as a platform for scholarly exchange but also as a meaningful step toward shaping future policy frameworks for the rights, development, and empowerment of India’s PVTGs. The organizers expressed their commitment to continuing such impactful, and interactive events in the future.
(This Press Release has been published as received)
