Pradhan asks CTUAP to preserve tribal knowledge

Visakhapatnam: Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday said the Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh (CTUAP) should document, preserve and promote the knowledge systems of tribal communities.

Addressing the students at the first convocation of CTUAP in Visakhapatnam, he said the institution should undertake research on the centuries-old knowledge of tribal communities relating to forests, biodiversity, agriculture, medicinal plants, wildlife and sustainable living, and adapt it to address contemporary challenges.“The University also has the responsibility of connecting academic research with the needs of society and translating knowledge into meaningful development.

The region surrounding the University is characterised by extraordinary human and cultural diversity, immense aspirations, and untapped potential. CTUAP must bridge academic research with societal needs and contribute practical solutions for sustainable development,” Pradhan said.Recalling the University’s formative years, the minister said, “I vividly remember the early days of this institution. A few years ago, we started this University under the leadership of its founding vice-chancellor, Prof TV Kattimani.

I also had the privilege of laying the foundation stone for its permanent campus.”He urged students to draw inspiration from the region’s rich history. “You stand at a defining moment in India’s history. Nearly a century ago, our country was in the final phase of the freedom movement. This region, too, has a proud legacy of resistance. The land where this University is located is closely associated with the legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, who fought bravely against British rule.

His courage and sacrifice continue to inspire generations.“Today, your responsibility is different but equally important. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the national goal of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, and you are the generation that will turn this vision into reality. You are studying in a region of immense historical and civilisational significance. From India’s eastern coast, maritime trade and cultural exchanges connected our civilisation with many parts of the globe.

You are the inheritors of this rich legacy,” Pradhan said.Andhra Pradesh governor S. Abdul Nazeer said AP is home to a significant tribal population, with about 27.39 lakh scheduled tribe people, accounting for 5.53 per cent of its total population, according to the 2011 Census. “The state has 34 scheduled tribes, including seven particularly vulnerable tribal groups. While ensuring equitable access to higher education is essential, equal priority must be given to improving the quality and cultural relevance of education for tribal students.

In this regard, I am optimistic that the CTUAP is well positioned to play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges faced by tribal youth in the region, not only by providing access to higher education but also by guiding them through the education system and enabling them to succeed,” Nazeer said.Andhra Pradesh education and IT minister Nara Lokesh said the true purpose of education is to provide solutions that transform people’s lives. “We are now living in the age of artificial intelligence. AI can provide answers, but it can never replace human values, curiosity, compassion or character. These qualities are nurtured in great universities, and they are what shape truly great individuals. That is why universities should not merely produce skilled professionals; they should cultivate responsible citizens, compassionate leaders and lifelong learners,” Lokesh said.