Venue: New Abhishek Hall, Lok Bhavan, Bhubaneswar
Organized by: Tribal Cell, Governor’s Secretariat, Odisha
The Governor’s Secretariat, Odisha organized a one-day Conclave on “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of Odisha – Way Ahead” on 20 July 2026 at the New Abhishek Hall. KISS Deemed to be University was represented by Dr. Bikram Biruli, Dr. Jaiminee Jhankar, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Purty, Dr. Nisikanta Nayak and Dr. Biswanath Soren. The conclave brought together Policymakers, Academicians, Researchers, NGOs and representatives of the 13 PVTGs of Odisha to discuss education, health, livelihoods, documentation of indigenous knowledge and sustainable development.
The objective of the event was to gain insights into the socio-cultural status of PVTGs, document indigenous knowledge, identify developmental challenges, promote collaboration among states and stakeholders, contribute to policy formulation. The programme included inaugural addresses, audio-visual presentations, group-wise discussions on all 13 PVTGs, presentation of recommendations, release of the technical report on PVTGs and interaction with the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Dr. Khambampati Hari Babu.
Dr. Jaiminee Jhankar, the first Ph.D. degree holder from the Chuktia Bhunjia PVTG, shared her inspiring journey before the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha. She highlighted how KISS Deemed to be University enabled her to overcome social and geographical barriers through higher education and research, inspiring PVTG youth to pursue academic excellence. Dr. Biswanath Soren presented constructive suggestions regarding the development of the Hill Kharia PVTG residing in the Similipal region of Jashipur, Mayurbhanj district. His recommendations focused on culturally responsive education, improved healthcare, road connectivity, livelihood enhancement, preservation of indigenous knowledge and participatory research.
Dr. Bikram Biruli participated in the academic deliberations and, during his interaction with ANI, appreciated the initiative of the Governor’s Secretariat for creating a platform where tribal communities, researchers, universities and policymakers could jointly deliberate on development issues and policy solutions.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Purty and Dr. Nisikanta Nayak shared suggestions regarding the development of the Lanjia Soura PVTG residing in the Raygada and Gajapati district. Their recommendations focused on culturally responsive education, improved healthcare, road connectivity, livelihood enhancement, preservation of indigenous knowledge and participatory research.
They shared key recommendations including revival of Anganwadi/Creche facilities; strengthening education; better road connectivity; agricultural livelihood support; awareness on government schemes; career counselling and vocational training; healthcare facilities; and documentation of indigenous languages, folklore and traditional knowledge.
The conclave provided an important platform for policy dialogues on PVTG development. The participation of the KISS Deemed to be University delegation reinforced the University’s leadership in tribal education, research and inclusive development while showcasing nationally significant success stories in the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha.
