Bhubaneswar: Jamini Jhankar of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences in Bhubaneswar has earned the distinction of being the first research scholar from Chuktia Bhunjia, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) residing in the remote forested regions of Nuapada district.
The 30-year-old tribal woman successfully completed her PhD on vedic medicine, specifically the medicinal properties and dosage of ayurvedic herbs. She conducted extensive fieldwork across Nuapada and neighbouring districts, engaging with traditional healers and ayurvedic practitioners to document indigenous knowledge.
“Her work not only bridges ancient wisdom with modern science but also preserves tribal healing practices,” the institute said in a release, which hailed her parents for encouraging all seven daughters to pursue education.
It further noted that Jamini’s achievement has been widely appreciated, with congratulations extended through social media by Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, and Deputy Chief Ministers K V Singhdeo, and Pravati Parida.
“Today, Jamini personally met and received blessings from Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS, who celebrated her success and wished her a bright future. Jamini has now become an inspiration for tribal children,” it added.
