Berhampur,20th Sept.2022: Berhampur University and Department of Economics of the university have jointly organised the Extramural Lecture Series on “Tribal Development and Inclusive Policy”. Two distinguished speakers Prof. Premananda Panda, a renowned anthropologist of Odisha and Prof. N. Panigrahi of Guru Ghasidas Viswavidyalaya (A Central University), Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh had delivered the lectures during the event. Prof. Panda had elaborately discussed about “Understanding PVTGs in India: With Special Reference to Odisha”, whereas Prof. N. Panigrahi had presented on “Bio-Cultural Perspective of Tribal Health: Need of Inclusive Policy”.
At the outset of the programme, both the distinguished speakers were welcomed with flower bouquet. Prof. Sudhakar Patra, Head, Dept. of Economics had delivered the Welcome Address. He pointed out that many such Centres were planned to be established under 10th Five Year plan as per the proposal of UGC. Dr. Mrutyunjay Swain, Director, Centre for Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy had presented the objectives and intended activities of the Centre. He introduced the topic and the distinguished speakers. He pointed out that, even though many Centres were planned, few reputed institutions such as Jamia Milia Islamia, JNU and TISS, Mumbai are actively conducting teaching, research and consultancy activities under these Centres. He mentioned the newly established Centre at Berhampur University will undertake more inter-disciplinary research and disseminate the knowledge generated at the Centre through publications and academic exchanges. He further added that the Centre will function as a ‘Resource and a Documentation Centre’ for students, researchers, visiting scholars, civil society organizations and faculty members. The hon. Vice-Chancellor in her introductory remarks expressed that about 22 per cent of our population are tribal. There are many Centres on the study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy exist in different parts of the country. The newly established Centre at our university will provide the platform to correct the inequalities created through discrimination and deprivation promoted by hegemonic structures through research, consultancy and extension activities. The Centre will conduct the training programmes and perspective building workshops for generating awareness on forms of social exclusion. The Chairman, PG Council also hailed the newly constituted Centre for conducting the extramural lecture series on social exclusion and inclusive policy related issues and expressed the hope that Centre will help in policy formulation and implementation for reducing the extent of discrimination of different forms. The meeting was ended with vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Pabitra Singh of Dept. of Economics. Ms. Aparna Nanda, the student of Economics Dept had nicely coordinated the programme. More than 100 faculty members and students of the Berhampur university attended the lecture series. The volunteers Jagannath Bhutia, Sushant Tarei, Lipsarani Patra and other students of the Dept of Economics helped in making necessary arrangements for the event.
