Annual publication aims to bridge law, culture and Indigenous rights through interdisciplinary scholarship
TFP Bureau, Raipur, January 31, 2026: Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, through its Centre for Law and Indigenous Studies, released the inaugural volume of its annual magazine “Koitur: People of Nature” on the occasion of the 5th Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Lecture. The publication seeks to explore Indigenous life, culture and rights through a unique blend of legal, academic and interdisciplinary perspectives.
The first edition of the magazine was formally unveiled by Hon’ble Mr. Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Member of the General Council of HNLU. The release ceremony drew participation from faculty members, research scholars and students, marking a significant academic milestone for the institution.
Conceptualised within a premier law university, Koitur: People of Nature extends beyond conventional cultural documentation and delves into critical Indigenous issues through constitutional, legal and policy frameworks. The annual magazine brings together scholarly articles, field-based research narratives and community voices, providing a comprehensive platform to discuss themes such as customary laws, forest rights, land governance, self-rule, access to justice and the relationship between Indigenous knowledge systems and contemporary legal institutions.
University officials highlighted that the publication reflects HNLU’s pedagogical commitment to socially engaged legal education and research. By encouraging students and academicians to examine the role of law in safeguarding Indigenous identities, traditions and community rights, the initiative aims to cultivate informed academic discourse on justice, sustainability and inclusive development.
Described as a distinctive academic initiative, the magazine aspires to act as a bridge between academia, Indigenous communities and policy-making circles, thereby contributing meaningfully to rights-based scholarship and Indigenous studies at the national level.
The release function was attended by HNLU Vice Chancellor Prof. V.C. Vivekanandan, Dr. Ayan Hazra, Editor of Koiturand Head of the Centre for Law and Indigenous Studies, and Registrar-in-Charge Dr. Deepak Srivastava, along with members of the university’s faculty and student community. The event underscored the growing emphasis on integrating legal education with cultural awareness and community engagement.
