CENTRE FOR TRIBAL AND CULTURAL STUDIES Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla About the Centre: Humanity is marked by its diversity, and this diversity is not limited to mere physical traits or social behaviors but extends to cultures, traditions, beliefs, and ways of life. This diversity of cultures, especially among indigenous and tribal communities, is avital aspect of our heritage and nation identity. Philosophical traditions from various eras, including classical, modern, and post-modern perspectives, have long emphasized the importance of recognizing and respecting cultural diversity. The concept of transformative constitutionalism encourages the recognition of this diversity within constitutional frameworks, emphasizing equality, autonomy, dignity, and the right to self-determination for all individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities. Tribal and indigenous cultures represent rich traditions and knowledge systems that often remain under valued and overlooked in mainstream society. The protection and promotion of these cultures is critical, not only for the preservation of cultural heritage but also for the realization of human rights, justice, and equality. The erosion of the traditional practices and vales due to the external influences pose a threat to the indigenous identities. Instead, fostering pride in these traditions and integrating them into the national ethos can strengthen the cultural foundation of society. The Centre for Tribal and Cultural Studies at Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla, aims to bridge this gap by promoting research, dialogue, and policy advocacy concerning the rights, challenges, and aspirations of tribal and indigenous communities. It will serve as a platform for raising awareness, providing education, and addressing the unique concerns of these communities. By collaborating with various stakeholders, including academia, governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and tribal communities themselves, the Centre will work towards creating a sustainable and inclusive future for tribal cultures and communities. Aims and Objectives: • To promote interdisciplinary research on tribal cultures, rights, and heritage. • To preserve and celebrate indigenous languages, traditions, and cultural expressions. • To raise awareness and sensitization on tribal issues through workshops and seminars. • To encourage and support the development of self-narratives and tribal literature. • To provide academic programs and training addressing the challenges of tribal communities. • To assist in policy advocacy for the protection of tribal rights and cultural heritage. • To foster collaboration with national and international institutions working on tribal and cultural issues. Vision: To empower and preserve tribal cultures, promoting their rights, heritage, and integration into a just and inclusive society. Road Map: • Conduct research on tribal rights, cultural heritage, and related legal issues. • Develop and offer academic programs and training on tribal studies. • Facilitate internships and fieldwork opportunities for students and researchers. • Organize awareness campaigns and sensitization workshops on tribal issues. • Foster collaboration with government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations. • Empower tribal communities through capacity-building initiatives and policy advocacy. • Document and promote indigenous knowledge, traditions, and cultural expressions. Research and Publications: • The Centre will conduct research in the areas of tribal land rights, cultural preservation, the inter section of tribal rights and modern laws, and the challenges faced by indigenous communities in the contemporary world. Cultural Preservation Initiatives: • This Centre focused on the preservation of traditional knowledge, language, and customs. These will include documenting oral histories, promoting tribal art forms, and fostering intergenerational transmission of knowledge. Collaborative Efforts with Stakeholders: • The Centre will collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, cultural organizations, and tribal leaders to implement policies and initiatives for the well-being of tribal communities. Public Awareness Campaigns: • Organize seminars, conferences, and public discussions to raise awareness about the rights and culture of tribal communities, ensuring these issues gain national and international attention. Training and Workshops: • Training programs for bothtribal communities and other stakeholders to empower them with knowledge abouttheir rights and available resources for support. Constitution of the Centre: Director: Prof. (Dr.) S.S. Jaswal Co-ordinator: Dr. Ved Prakash Co-ordinator: Dr. Narender Pal Contact us: Director Centre for Tribal and CulturalStudies (CTCS) Himachal Pradesh National LawUniversity, Shimla 16 Miles, Shimla-Mandi National Highway, Ghandal, Shimla, H.P. 171014 Email: ctcs@hpnlu.ac.in
CENTRE FOR TRIBAL AND CULTURAL STUDIES
Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla
About the Centre:
Humanity is marked by its diversity, and this diversity is not limited to mere physical traits or social behaviors but extends to cultures, traditions, beliefs, and ways of life. This diversity of cultures, especially among indigenous and tribal communities, is avital aspect of our heritage and nation identity. Philosophical traditions from various eras, including classical, modern, and post-modern perspectives, have long emphasized the importance of recognizing and respecting cultural diversity. The concept of transformative constitutionalism encourages the recognition of this diversity within constitutional frameworks, emphasizing equality, autonomy, dignity, and the right to self-determination for all individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities. Tribal and indigenous cultures represent rich traditions and knowledge systems that often remain under valued and overlooked in mainstream society. The protection and promotion of these cultures is critical, not only for the preservation of cultural heritage but also for the realization of human rights, justice, and equality. The erosion of the traditional practices and vales due to the external influences pose a threat to the indigenous identities. Instead, fostering pride in these traditions and integrating them into the national ethos can strengthen the cultural foundation of society. The Centre for Tribal and Cultural Studies at Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla, aims to bridge this gap by promoting research, dialogue, and policy advocacy concerning the rights, challenges, and aspirations of tribal and indigenous communities. It will serve as a platform for raising awareness, providing education, and addressing the unique concerns of these communities. By collaborating with various stakeholders, including academia, governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and tribal communities themselves, the Centre will work towards creating a sustainable and inclusive future for tribal cultures and communities.
Aims and Objectives:
• To promote interdisciplinary research on tribal cultures, rights, and heritage.
• To preserve and celebrate indigenous languages, traditions, and cultural expressions.
• To raise awareness and sensitization on tribal issues through workshops and seminars.
• To encourage and support the development of self-narratives and tribal literature.
• To provide academic programs and training addressing the challenges of tribal communities.
• To assist in policy advocacy for the protection of tribal rights and cultural heritage.
• To foster collaboration with national and international institutions working on tribal and cultural issues.
Vision:
To empower and preserve tribal cultures, promoting their rights, heritage, and integration into a just and inclusive society.
Road Map:
• Conduct research on tribal rights, cultural heritage, and related legal issues.
• Develop and offer academic programs and training on tribal studies.
• Facilitate internships and fieldwork opportunities for students and researchers.
• Organize awareness campaigns and sensitization workshops on tribal issues.
• Foster collaboration with government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations.
• Empower tribal communities through capacity-building initiatives and policy advocacy.
• Document and promote indigenous knowledge, traditions, and cultural expressions.
Research and Publications:
• The Centre will conduct research in the areas of tribal land rights, cultural preservation, the inter section of tribal rights and modern laws, and the challenges faced by indigenous communities in the contemporary world.
Cultural Preservation Initiatives:
• This Centre focused on the preservation of traditional knowledge, language, and customs. These will include documenting oral histories, promoting tribal art forms, and fostering intergenerational transmission of knowledge.
Collaborative Efforts with Stakeholders:
• The Centre will collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, cultural organizations, and tribal leaders to implement policies and initiatives for the well-being of tribal communities.
Public Awareness Campaigns:
• Organize seminars, conferences, and public discussions to raise awareness about the rights and culture of tribal communities, ensuring these issues gain national and international attention.
Training and Workshops:
• Training programs for bothtribal communities and other stakeholders to empower them with knowledge abouttheir rights and available resources for support.
Constitution of the Centre:
Director: Prof. (Dr.) S.S. Jaswal Co-ordinator: Dr. Ved Prakash Co-ordinator: Dr. Narender Pal
Contact us:
Director
Centre for Tribal and CulturalStudies (CTCS)
Himachal Pradesh National LawUniversity, Shimla 16 Miles, Shimla-Mandi National Highway, Ghandal, Shimla, H.P. 171014
Email: ctcs@hpnlu.ac.in