Ms. Manisha Laguri, Ph.D. Scholar from the School of Tribal Resource Management (STRM), has made history by becoming the first research scholar from the Noamundi Block and her village in Jharkhand. Her academic journey stands as a significant milestone, not only for her personal achievement but also as a source of inspiration for tribal and rural youth aspiring for higher education and research.
Ms. Laguri successfully pursued her Ph.D. at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, an institution renowned for its commitment to tribal education, social inclusion, and community development. Her doctoral research reflects the core values of KISS, emphasizing the role of research in addressing real societal challenges and contributing meaningfully to marginalized communities.
Her Ph.D. thesis, titled “Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Inclusion of Tribal Communities,” focused on understanding how corporate initiatives can support financial empowerment and inclusive development among tribal populations. Guided by her supervisor, Dr. Ch. Sudipta Kishore Nanda, Ms. Laguri undertook extensive academic work combined with rigorous field research.
During her doctoral tenure, she conducted fieldwork across East Singhbhum and West Singhbhum districts of Jharkhand, and Rayagada district of Odisha, engaging closely with tribal communities. These interactions provided valuable insights into socio-economic realities, strengthening both the academic depth and practical relevance of her research.
Ms. Laguri also acknowledged the institutional support she received during her research, particularly in Rayagada district, where Mr. Pramod Kumar Patra, Additional Registrar & Additional CEO, KISS, extended cooperation that facilitated smooth field visits and research coordination.
The final year of her Ph.D. journey was dedicated to thesis writing, revisions, and completion, culminating in a sense of accomplishment and academic fulfillment. Reflecting on her journey, Ms. Laguri emphasized that her experience at KISS was transformative, teaching her discipline, perseverance, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
She expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Hon’ble Founder of KISS and KIIT, whose visionary leadership and humanitarian philosophy continue to inspire scholars to pursue socially relevant research and service-oriented academic careers.
Ms. Manisha Laguri’s achievement is a testament to the power of education in transforming lives and communities. Her journey stands as a beacon of hope and motivation for young scholars from tribal and underrepresented backgrounds, reaffirming KISS Deemed to be University’s mission of inclusive and value-based education.
