Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma inaugurated a three-day international conference on “Indigenous/Tribal Communities – Reframing Research Methodologies” at the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Hyderabad, on Thursday. Organised by the Department of Indian and World Literatures, the event brought together scholars, community leaders, and researchers to discuss Indigenous Knowledge Systems and challenge colonial academic frameworks.

In his address, the Governor stressed the need to mainstream tribal wisdom, urging academia to “learn from indigenous communities, not just about them.” He called for integrating tribal ecological and cultural knowledge into national research and policy. Citing Nobel Laureate Rigoberta Menchú, he affirmed tribal identity and contributions, noting the significance of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in honouring tribal leaders like Birsa Munda.

EFLU Vice Chancellor Prof. N. Nagaraju highlighted the institution’s contribution to national development through language and skill training. He stressed the importance of including indigenous perspectives in academic discourse.

The conference features speakers such as Prof. Y L Srinivas, VC of Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University, keynote speaker Prof. Amareswar Galla, and others. Sessions will cover oral traditions, language preservation, ecological knowledge, participatory research, and decolonial methods. Filmmakers and storytellers will also present works challenging conventional research approaches.