The Central University of Orissa signed an MoU with Te Whare Wananga O Awanuiarangi: Indigenous-University (University of Wananga), New Zealand, for collaborative programmemes on indigenous studies here on Wednesday.
The MoU was signed by CUO Vice-Chancellor Prof Surabhi Banerjee and University of Wananga Vice-Chancellor Prof Graham Smith.
With the signing of the MoU, the CUO proposes to launch a Centre for Indigenous Studies, which would support higher education, skills development and research into tribal issues such as preservation of cultural heritage, agricultural practices, ecology, customs, professions, traditional practices, health, indigenous knowledge and education. An academic exchange programme would also be developed to include student and faculty exchanges aimed at broadening the intellectual horizons and experience of students and faculties from both countries, said Prof Banerjee.
Prof Smith said the CUO is a suitable university for tribal development. As the University of Wananga is doing for the Maori tribes in New Zealand, the CUO can also do a lot for the tribals of Koraput as well as of India.
Teaching does not mean teaching the students’ minds, it is also teaching of hearts and nerves. It is important to develop the minds and hearts of tribals. All the institutions should reach the rural community and tribal community for development of indigenous people.