Nuapada, Sep 20: In a historic milestone for Odisha’s tribal communities, Jamini Jhankar from the Chuktia Bhunjia tribe, has become the first person from her community to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. Her achievement marks a turning point for the Chuktia Bhunjia, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) residing in the remote forested regions of Nuapada district, her family said on Saturday.

Roots in the Remote Hills

Jamini hails from Sanbahali village under Sunabeda Panchayat, nestled deep within the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary — a region once deemed educationally inaccessible. Despite growing up in a remote village, surrounded by dense forests and limited infrastructure, Jamini’s academic brilliance shone through.

Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science

The 30-year-old tribal woman successfully defended her doctoral thesis at a Deemed University in Bhubaneswar. Her doctoral research focused on Vedic medicine, specifically the medicinal properties and dosage of Ayurvedic herbs. She conducted extensive fieldwork across Nuapada and neighboring 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.

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Family Support: The Backbone of Her Journey

Jamini’s parents, Bijay and Baidehi Jhankar, played a pivotal role in her journey, enrolling her in a private college in Bhubaneswar after graduation. Their unwavering support helped her overcome social and logistical barriers that often hinder tribal students, especially women.

A Beacon of Hope for Tribal Girls

The tribal girl’s success has triggered celebrations in Sanbahali and across the Chuktia Bhunjia community. Her uncle, Yubaraj Chhatria, expressed hope that Jamini’s story would inspire other young tribal women to pursue higher education. Jamini’s achievement stands as a beacon of progress, resilience, and empowerment — a testament to what determination and support can achieve even in the most challenging environments.

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