KISS-DU Organizes Invited Guest Lecture on Indigenous Voices in Global Academia

The Centre for the Study of Indigenous Peoples Across the Globe and the School of Tribal Resource Management in collaboration with Internal Quality Assurance Cell, KISS-DU organized an invited guest lecture on the topic “Indigenous Voices in Global Academia” was organized on 9^th March 2026 at 3:30 p.m. in Conference Hall–02 of KISS Deemed to be University. The programme was jointly organized by the Centre for the Study of Indigenous People Across the Globe and the School of Tribal Resource Management, in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), KISS Deemed to be University. Dr. Regina Hansda, University of Edinburg, Scotland was invited as the esteemed resource person for the session.

The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Snigdharani Panda, Director, IQAC, who warmly welcomed the distinguished guest and the participants. In her address, she elaborated on the vision and mission of KISS and highlighted the achievements of KISS and KISS Deemed to be University in empowering tribal and indigenous students through education.

This was followed by an address by Dr. Kadey Soren, Deputy Director (Academics), KISS-DU, who extended a warm welcome to the guest speaker. He briefly spoke about the remarkable progress and achievements of KISS and emphasized how the institution has been reaching new heights within a short span of time.

The felicitation of the guest speaker, Dr. Regina Hansda, faculty, Institute of Geography, University of Edinburgh, UK was then conducted by the Deans and faculty members of KISS Deemed to be University as a mark of respect and appreciation.

The introduction of the guest speaker was delivered by Dr. Arpana Premi Lina Oraon, Head , Centre for the Study of Indigenous Peoples Across the Globe and Dean, School of Tribal Resource Management. She presented a detailed introduction highlighting the academic journey and achievements of Dr. Hansda.

During her lecture, Dr. Regina Hansda shared her inspiring academic journey and the challenges she faced from her early life to becoming an internationally recognized scholar. She spoke about her experiences as an indigenous scholar in global academic spaces and emphasized the importance of indigenous voices and perspectives in higher education and research. She also mentioned that she is the first Indian indigenous scholar to receive a Ph.D. from Cambridge University, which served as an inspiration for many students and scholars present.

The lecture was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, during which students and research scholars actively engaged with the speaker and asked several insightful questions. The interaction made the session lively and enriching.

The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Naran Tudu, Head, Department of Santali, KISS-DU, who expressed gratitude to the guest speaker, dignitaries, organizers, and participants for making the programme successful.

The event was attended by students of Geography and Santali Departments, Deans, Centre Heads, faculty members, research scholars and students of KISS Deemed to be University.

The programme was moderated and coordinated by Mr. Dubraj Hembram and Mr. Laxman Dora, Research Scholars of KISS-DU.

Overall, the guest lecture was highly informative and inspiring, providing valuable insights into the role of indigenous scholars in global academia and motivating students to pursue academic excellence.