The Department of Anthropology under the School of Tribal Legal Studies and Tribal Rights (STLSTR) at KISS Deemed to be University (KISS-DU) Bhubaneswar, celebrated World Anthropology Day on 20th February 2025, with great enthusiasm and academic engagement. The event, held at KISS Campus-4, brought together a distinguished gathering of faculty members, students, and research scholars. Esteemed guests included Prof. Nirmal Chandra Dash, Professor Emeritus, Dr. Pragyan Mohanty, Dean (STLSTR) Mr. Manoranjan Mohapatra, Assistant Professor and Head of Anthropology, Dr. Anindita Nayak, Assistant Professor in Anthropology and Mr. Alok Singh Bhoi, among others.
The programme began with a warm welcome address by Dr. Pragyan Mohanty, who underscored the significance of World Anthropology Day in fostering a deeper understanding of human societies. This set the tone for the event, which featured a series of insightful student presentations from undergraduate, postgraduate, and research scholars. These presentations offered diverse perspectives on the relevance and scope of anthropology, making the session highly interactive and engaging for over 100 participating students. Dr. Anindita Nayak introduced Professor Nirmal Chandra Dash, sharing her personal experiences and highlighting the importance of indigenous knowledge in contemporary discourse.
Professor Dash delivered a thought-provoking talk on “Odishan Tribal Knowledge and Its Contribution to the Indian Knowledge System,” providing deep insights into the traditional wisdom of Odisha’s tribal communities and their pivotal role in shaping India’s intellectual heritage. His talk resonated with the audience, emphasizing the value of preserving and integrating indigenous knowledge into modern academic frameworks. In the concluding session, Mr. Manoranjan Mohapatra elaborated on the sustainability of indigenous knowledge among Odisha’s tribal communities and its relevance in today’s society. He stressed the need for continued efforts to protect and promote this knowledge for future generations. The event was efficiently coordinated by Ms. Sabita Majhi, a second-year postgraduate student, who also delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks. She expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, faculty members, research scholars, and students for their valuable contributions and active participation. The celebration of World Anthropology Day at KISS-DU successfully highlighted the importance of anthropology in understanding and preserving indigenous traditions while fostering an academic dialogue that bridges the past and the present.
Through this event, the Department of Anthropology reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the study of human societies and contributing to the broader discourse on cultural heritage and intellectual diversity.
