MLCU launches landmark book on Tribal Health and Wellbeing in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 5, 2025

Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), Shillong, hosted a significant academic event on Wednesday with the launch of its latest publication, “Tribal Health and Wellbeing in Meghalaya, India”, under MLCU Press. The event was graced by university dignitaries including the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, faculty members, students, and board members including Rudi Warjri and Patricia Mukhim, Editor of The Shillong Times, who also penned the book’s foreword.

Dr Larilin Kharpuri, Pro Vice Chancellor of MLCU, in her welcome address, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to indigenous health research. She noted that the book is an outcome of a 2023 project titled “Creation of a Curriculum on the Health of Indigenous and Tribal Communities: Meghalaya”, funded by Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, Germany. Dr Kharpuri also spoke about MLCU’s pioneering efforts in documenting, empowering, and advocating for tribal healers.

Introducing the book, Dr Sandra Albert, Director of the Indian Institute of Public Health Shillong, described it as a rich compilation of research, policy, and reflective practice. The book is divided into three sections comprising 15 chapters on tribal health and knowledge systems, two major government policy documents—the MOTHER policy and the Mental Health and Social Care Policy—and 11 research articles covering key topics such as vaccine hesitancy, contraception, traditional healers, and health systems.

Dr Sampath Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary for Health & Family Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, officially released the book. He stressed the need to recognise and integrate traditional health systems into formal healthcare. Referring to maternal death reviews, he said many deaths occurred where trusted traditional birth attendants were excluded. He praised the book for documenting such realities and offering context-specific policy suggestions. Citing examples of traditional healers aiding TB detection and vaccination, he called for collaboration between modern and traditional systems. He urged MLCU to work with the state to document and promote effective traditional practices through inclusive policies.

Students from the Departments of Nutrition and Environment and Traditional Ecosystems also presented posters showcasing their research on traditional healing practices and indigenous medicinal plants. These exhibits drew enthusiastic engagement from the audience.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Francis Shangpliang, Business Manager of MLCU Press, who acknowledged the contributors, organisers, and student volunteers for their roles in making the event a success.

After the programme, guests interacted with student presenters. The event reinforced MLCU’s focus on inclusive, community-based research and its commitment to addressing real-world issues in Meghalaya and the region.