Ranchi: IIM Ranchi inaugurated Birsa Munda Centre for Tribal Affairs at Suchana Bhawan today. Birsa Munda Centre for Tribal Affairs” (BMCTA) 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 signed MoU with Vikash Bharti Bishunpur and Friends of Tribal Society for the upliftment of tribal coomunity.IIM Ranchi is established in the state of Jharkhand, a majorly tribal state, and Centre of Excellence will be a hub of research and training in Tribal Affairs.
Hon’ble Governor of Jharkhand, Smt. 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), Padmashree Shri Ashok Bhagat – Eminent Social Worker & Founder Secretary Vikash Bharti (Bishunpur), Mrs. Namita Pandya – Vice President of Friends of Tribal Society for Mumbai Chapter and In-charge of Gramin Ladies Wing of West Zone and Mrs. Rekha Jain – President of Friends of Tribal Society for Ranchi Chapter.
Prof. Shailendra Singh, Director, IIM Ranchi, welcomed the Chief Guest, Guests of Honour, Chairman, Board Of Governors IIM Ranchi, faculty, student and staff connected physically and online. He 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 opportunity to tribal people to integrate them with society, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat’s concept.”
Shri Praveen Shankar Pandya, Chairman, BoG, IIM Ranchi, also addressed on the occasion. He 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”.
Hon’ble Governor of Jharkhand, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. She 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.”
Mrs. Rekha Jain – President of Friends of Tribal Society for Ranchi Chapter, appreciated IIM Ranchi to sign the MOU of Ekal Abhiyaan, which focuses on total integrated village primary education development. Mrs. Namita Pandya – Vice President of Friends of Tribal Society for Mumbai Chapter, also highlighted that tribals are being taken care of and developed for the last 30 years through Ekal Abhiyaan. She also remembered Birsa Munda for his dedication towards tribal people and society in general.
Shri Ashok Bhagat – Eminent Social Worker & Founder Secretary Vikash Bharti, said that Vikas Bharti has aimed for India’s total development via Research and Technology. He also mentioned, “We are proud to be associated with IIM Ranchi at the aptest moment. Sustainable development can be achieved with the help of students, and tribal people are ready. Jobs will be provided in rural areas with the help of the government.”
Prof. Ramesh Pandey, Vice-Chancellor – Ranchi University, mentioned that Jharkhand is the launchpad for all programs of tribal development. According to him, the MoU will pave the way for tribal growth and integrated development of tribals and the nation together. He also thanked Smt. Murmu Ji and others involved on behalf of Ranchi University and expressed his desire to work on “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”
After the Hon’ble Governor’s address, a memento was given to Smt. Droupadi Murmu and Shri Ashok Bhagat as a token of honor. Signed copies of 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.
