Central University of Odisha, UNICEF join hands to establish Tribal Communication Cell

Bhubaneswar: In a major step toward amplifying tribal voices and preserving Odisha’s indigenous heritage, the Central University of Odisha (CUO), Koraput, has partnered with UNICEF Odisha to establish a Tribal Communication Cell (TCC) on the University campus. The strategic collaboration aims to strengthen socio-economic empowerment, protect traditional knowledge systems, and ensure greater inclusion of tribal communities in the state’s development process.

The Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed in the presence of CUO Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) N. C. Panda and William Hanlon Jr., Chief of UNICEF Odisha Field Office. Senior officials including Finance Officer Duryodhan Sethi, Dr. Nikhil Kumar Gouda (HoD, Journalism & Mass Communication), Dr. Sugata Roy (Specialist, SBC, UNICEF Odisha), Dr. Phagunath Bhoi (PRO, CUO), and faculty members from CUO and UNICEF attended the ceremony.

Calling the initiative a milestone for CUO, Prof. Panda said the Tribal Communication Cell would empower both students and tribal communities by fostering inclusive communication and supporting sustainable development in tribal-dominated regions. He highlighted Koraput’s rich produce and stressed the need for greater promotion and research to benefit local communities.

UNICEF’s William Hanlon Jr. said the partnership reflects a shared vision to bring tribal perspectives to the forefront of development. The TCC, he noted, will play a transformative role by generating evidence, building capacities, and creating platforms for meaningful dialogue, ultimately strengthening the rights and well-being of children and families in tribal areas.

Dr. Nikhil Kumar Gouda, Head of the Journalism and Mass Communication Department, outlined the objectives of the Cell, which will function as a hub for research, documentation, capacity building, and community engagement. With technical expertise and support from UNICEF, the Cell aims to develop culturally rooted communication models that reflect the lived realities of tribal communities.

The event was attended by key academic and administrative officials including Pradosh Kumar Rath, Gourav Ranjan, Sumit Kumar Behera, Sony Parhi, and Talat Jahan Begam. The vote of thanks was delivered by Associate Professor Sourav Gupta.

According to CUO PRO Phagunath Bhoi, the initiative marks a significant move toward fostering respectful dialogue, informed action, and evidence-based advocacy for the holistic welfare of tribal communities across Odisha.