Our Approach
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Our Approach
Asmita
- Asmita encapsulates the holistic identity of Janjati communities, encompassing their historical memory, cultural practices, linguistic diversity, and spiritual worldviews. Scholarly inquiry into tribal philosophies, oral traditions, and symbolic systems seeks not only to preserve but to critically engage with it. By integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary socio- political challenges, this principle advocates for inclusive knowledge frameworks that foster mutual respect, cultural sustainability, and the affirmation of tribal selfhood.
Astitva
- Astitva, or existential being, for Janjati communities is deeply rooted in their symbiotic relationship with natural ecosystems—water, forests, and land. Their traditional ecological knowledge systems reflect sustainable practices and a worldview centered on environmental stewardship. While constitutional safeguards and legal frameworks recognize these rights, there remains an urgent need for critical engagement with their implementation. Research under this principle interrogates themes such as territorial rights, resource governance, and cultural perceptions of nature, with the aim of informing equitable and community-driven policy interventions.
Vikas
- Post-independence models of development have often marginalized tribal regions, leading to ecological degradation, dispossession, and socio-economic disparities. The principle of Vikas envisions development that is both inclusive and context-sensitive, rooted in tribal realities and aspirations. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse worldviews, enhancing access to quality education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods, and ensuring participatory governance. Research guided by this principle seeks to critique dominant development paradigms and contribute to more just, rights- based, and culturally informed alternatives.
