Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, through its Centre for Tribal and Cultural Studies, successfully organized a national conference titled “Identity, Rights and Realities: Tribal Identity, Governance and Justice in Contemporary India.” The event was held under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Preeti Saxena at the university campus.
The conference brought together distinguished academicians, policymakers, legal scholars, researchers, and students from across the country, while several international participants joined the sessions virtually, making it a diverse academic platform for meaningful discussions.
The inaugural session was graced by Member of Parliament Suresh Kumar Kashyap as the chief guest. In his address, he emphasized the importance of safeguarding tribal rights and highlighted the need for inclusive governance frameworks that recognize the unique socio-cultural identity of tribal communities. He also appreciated the initiative of the Centre and announced a contribution of ₹7 lakh towards the university’s decomposer initiative.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Harish Thakur from the Department of Political Science, Himachal Pradesh University, who shared valuable insights into evolving debates around tribal identity, governance, and policy frameworks, particularly in the Himalayan context.
The conference featured five technical sessions where experts engaged in detailed discussions on tribal rights, governance mechanisms, environmental concerns, and socio-economic challenges faced by tribal communities. Participants collectively stressed adopting a rights-based approach, strengthening grassroots governance, and promoting sustainable and inclusive development.
Speakers also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research and policy engagement in addressing complex realities faced by tribal populations.
The valedictory session was attended by Himachal Pradesh Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi as chief guest. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment toward tribal welfare and empowerment and underscored the importance of academic collaboration in strengthening policy frameworks.
Environmental justice activist and researcher Manshi Asher delivered the concluding address, focusing on issues related to land, water, and forest rights and advocating community-based approaches for sustainable development in Himalayan regions.
A major highlight of the conference was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Tribal Development Department of the Himachal Pradesh Government and HPNLU Shimla. The agreement aims to promote institutional collaboration in research funding, academic partnerships, capacity building, and grassroots initiatives focused on tribal welfare and sustainable development.
The event was organized under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) S. S. Jaswal, Faculty Director of the Centre for Tribal and Cultural Studies, who emphasized the role of academic institutions in bridging the gap between policy formulation and ground realities through research and community engagement.
HPNLU Registrar Prof. (Dr.) Alok Kumar delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of dignitaries, participants, organizers, and supporting staff.
The conference successfully facilitated meaningful dialogue on constitutional, legal, and socio-cultural dimensions of tribal identity, governance, and justice in contemporary India, reaffirming HPNLU’s commitment to academic excellence and socially relevant research.
