Indigenous Knowledge Key to Climate Justice and Inclusive Development: Chhattisgarh Minister at HNLU Conference

April 4, 2026 : Hidayatullah National Law University hosted a two-day international conference on “Law, Rights, and Indigenous Futures,” bringing together scholars, policymakers, and legal practitioners to deliberate on the role of indigenous communities in shaping equitable and sustainable futures.

Delivering the keynote address, Ram Vichar Netam emphasized that indigenous knowledge systems hold significant potential in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change and social inequality. He underscored the importance of recognizing indigenous communities not merely as beneficiaries but as active contributors to sustainable development. The Minister further stressed that policy frameworks must be inclusive and grounded in constitutional principles of justice, equality, and dignity.

In his opening remarks, V. C. Vivekanandan highlighted the growing relevance of tribal justice in contemporary legal discourse. He observed that the indigenous worldview, which is inherently aligned with nature, is increasingly being marginalized by modern development paradigms. He called for concrete and actionable policy measures to preserve and integrate these perspectives.

The conference was organized by the Centre for Study of Law and Indigenous People under the leadership of Ayan Hazra. Deepak Srivastav welcomed the dignitaries, while Aashutosh Kumar Ahire served as the Convenor.

The event witnessed participation from academicians, policymakers, researchers, and students from across India and abroad. Technical sessions explored a wide range of themes, including indigenous rights, legal pluralism, climate justice, development-induced displacement, and gender issues within indigenous communities.

The valedictory address was delivered by Sonmoni Borah, who highlighted the importance of governance and institutional collaboration in advancing justice for indigenous communities. The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by Avinash Samal.