Birsa Munda Centre for Tribal Affairs (BMCTA) was inaugurated at IIM’s temproray campus at Suchana Bhawan here on Wednesday. The Centre has been set up to conduct research and training in the area of tribal development, entrepreneurship and planning, which can contribute to the tribal culture and context at State as well as the national level. IIM Ranchi has signed an MoU with Vikash Bharti Bishunpur and Friends of Tribal Society for the uplift of tribal community.
Governor Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Centre virtually and graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The Guests of Honour of the event were: Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh Pandey (Vice-Chancellor – Ranchi University), Ashok Bhagat - Eminent Social Worker & Founder Secretary Vikash Bharti (Bishunpur), Namita Pandya – Vice President of Friends of Tribal Society for Mumbai Chapter and In-charge of Gramin Ladies Wing of West Zone and Rekha Jain – President of Friends of Tribal Society for Ranchi Chapter.
Prof. Shailendra Singh, Director, IIM Ranchi, said, “Tribal issues are important because tribal communities are still considered backward. This center’s vision is to become one of the first centers where people can seek knowledge on tribal issues, income generation, entrepreneurship programs, and how it can be inculcated in tribal youths. We should give development opportunities to tribal people to integrate them with society, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat’s concept.”
Praveen Shankar Pandya, Chairman, BoG, IIM Ranchi, in his address, said, “To bring IIM Ranchi into the top 10 from the top 20, we need to be aware of our surroundings. IIM Ranchi has been continuously taking challenges for the betterment of society. There is a need to focus on benefits given to the tribals by the government, and BMCTA can be the bridge to help and support them”.
Governor Droupadi Murmu appreciated IIM Ranchi for BMCTA and keeping the values of India in mind while guiding students. She said, “It is our responsibility to take tribal values and make people aware of the cultural heritage of tribes. Students can learn more about the tribal community through this center. The government would be able to provide more development to them via this initiative. I hope that IIM Ranchi will ready students for entrepreneurship development in the state of Jharkhand. Thus, the tribal communities’ development will be preserved, and these initiatives can avoid the extinction of tribes. It will also help in preserving tribal culture and heritage. We must appreciate the tribal community and work for their welfare.”After the Governor’s address, a memento was given to Droupadi Murmu and Ashok Bhagat as a token of honour. Signed copies of the MoU were exchanged with NGOs Vikash Bharti and Friends of Tribal Society. The inauguration concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Rekha Singhal, chairperson of the centre followed by the national anthem.
