Assam down town University hosted a State-Level Workshop on “Traditional Medicine of the Tribes of Assam and Its Usage in Clinical Practice” as part of the Jana Jatiya Gaurav Diwas Pakhwada, organised by the Assam Institute of Research for Tribals and Scheduled Castes in collaboration with AdtU and sponsored by the MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS GOVERNMENT OF INDIA.

The program commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Prateeti Barman (she/her), Dean-in-Charge, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, AdtU. The keynote address was delivered by Smt. Binita Pegu, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Tribal Affairs (Plain) Department, Government of Assam. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Dr. N. C. Talukdar, Vice Chancellor, AdtU, emphasised the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge systems through academic engagement, research and documentation.

The workshop featured two sessions that brought together traditional knowledge holders, academicians and students. The first session provided a platform for traditional tribal healers to share their experiences and insights into indigenous healing practices, many of which have been preserved and passed down through generations. Their presentations explored indigenous healing methods and highlighted the continued relevance of traditional remedies in everyday life and community healthcare practices.

The second session featured academic discussions by Dr. Jenny Jami, Assistant Professor, Cotton University, and Dr. Shyam Choudhury, Assistant Professor, Programme of Sociology, AdtU. They examined traditional medicine from academic and clinical perspectives, encouraging a broader understanding of its role in contemporary healthcare.

The workshop underscored the importance of recognising tribal knowledge systems as an integral part of Assam’s cultural heritage while exploring their potential contributions to healthcare through informed research and academic collaboration.