Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), Shillong, hosted a noteworthy academic event marked by the official release of the book “Tribal Health and Wellbeing in Meghalaya, India”, published by MLCU Press. The occasion was honoured by the presence of the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, faculty members and students of the University. Esteemed board members, including Mr Rudi Warjri and Ms Patricia Mukhim, Editor of The Shillong Times, were also in attendance. Notably, Ms Mukhim authored the foreword of the book.
The programme commenced at 1:00 pm with a welcome address by Dr Larilin Kharpuri, Pro Vice Chancellor of MLCU, who highlighted the university’s continued commitment to addressing local health challenges through interdisciplinary research and publication. She informed that the book is an outcome of a 2023 project entitled ‘Creation of a Curriculum on the Health of Indigenous and Tribal Communities: Meghalaya’, funded by Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, Germany. She added that MLCU has been a pioneer in advancing work related to tribal healers, from documentation and capacity building to advocacy, underscoring the university’s role in preserving indigenous knowledge and promoting culturally responsive health education.
Dr Sandra Albert, Director of the Indian Institute of Public Health Shillong, introduced the book “Tribal Health and Wellbeing in Meghalaya, India” as a comprehensive resource that combines research, policy, and reflective learning. Divided into three sections, the book includes 15 chapters on tribal health, wellbeing, traditional practices, and indigenous knowledge; two key policy documents from the Government of Meghalaya – the MOTHER policy and the Mental Health and Social Care Policy; and 11 research articles on vaccine hesitancy, contraception, traditional healers, and health systems. She emphasised the deep-rooted indigenous identity of Meghalaya’s tribes, the widespread use and acceptance of tribal medicine among local communities, and the limited relevance of centrally promoted AYUSH systems in the region.
The book was officially released by Dr Sampath Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary for Health & Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya. In his address at the launch of Tribal Health and Wellbeing in Meghalaya, India, he highlighted the critical importance of acknowledging and integrating traditional health systems into formal healthcare frameworks. Drawing on insights from maternal death reviews and field experiences, he shared that many maternal deaths occurred in settings where traditional birth attendants (TBAs) were excluded from the health system despite their deep community trust and care. He praised the book for documenting these realities and for presenting policy recommendations rooted in the cultural context of Meghalaya. Citing examples of effective community health practices and traditional healers contributing to TB detection and care, he advocated for a two-way, respectful engagement between modern and traditional systems. “When we engaged with traditional healers,” he said, “we saw the trust they held and the role they already play in promoting practices like vaccination and safe deliveries. It is time we brought them into the fold.” Dr Sampath Kumar expressed strong support for using the book as a foundational resource in medical and policy education, and he called upon MLCU to collaborate with the state in documenting and mainstreaming proven traditional practices through inclusive policies that reflect the lived experiences of tribal communities.
The programme also featured a poster presentation by students from the Departments of Nutrition and the Department of Environment and Traditional Ecosystems, who displayed their work on various themes related to traditional healing practices and medicinal and therapeutic plants in rural communities. The presentations drew keen interest from attendees and reflected the students’ growing engagement with real-world health issues.
A vote of thanks was delivered by Mr Francis Shangpliang, Business Manager of MLCU Press, who acknowledged the efforts of the authors, contributors, organisers, and student volunteers.
Following the formal programme, guests were invited to interact with the student presenters. The event marked an important step in promoting inclusive, community-centric academic work and underlined MLCU’s role in advancing socially relevant research in Meghalaya and the region.