A Landmark Initiative on Indigenous Law, Culture, and Rights
Raipur, January 26, 2026 — The Centre for Law and Indigenous Studies, Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, proudly released the inaugural issue of Koitur: People of Nature, an annual academic magazine dedicated to Indigenous life, culture, and legal realities in India.
The magazine was formally released by Hon’ble Mr. Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Member of the General Council, HNLU, during the 5th Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Lecture held on 26 January 2026.
About Koitur: People of Nature
Koitur: People of Nature is a unique interdisciplinary publication conceptualized within a premier law university. It goes beyond cultural narration to critically engage with Indigenous issues through constitutional, legal, and policy frameworks.
Core Focus Areas of the Magazine
The inaugural issue explores Indigenous realities through:
- 📜 Customary laws and traditional governance systems
- 🌳 Forest rights and land governance
- 🏛 Self-rule and Indigenous autonomy
- ⚖ Access to justice for Indigenous communities
- 📚 Indigenous knowledge systems and modern law
- 🌱 Sustainability, ecology, and inclusive development
The magazine brings together:
- Academic research
- Field-based narratives
- Community voices and lived experiences
Academic and Pedagogical Significance
The publication reflects HNLU’s commitment to socially engaged legal education. It encourages:
- Critical examination of law’s role in protecting Indigenous identities
- Integration of legal analysis with cultural and ecological perspectives
- Student and scholar engagement with real-world Indigenous justice issues
By doing so, Koitur strengthens discourse on:
- Indigenous rights
- Environmental justice
- Constitutional protections
- Policy reform and inclusive governance
A Bridge Between Communities and Policy
As a distinctive academic initiative, Koitur: People of Nature aims to:
- 🤝 Bridge academia, Indigenous communities, and policymakers
- 📖 Contribute to Indigenous studies and rights-based scholarship
- 🌍 Promote informed dialogue on justice, sustainability, and development
Dignitaries Present at the Release
The release ceremony was attended by:
- Prof. V. C. Vivekanandan
Vice-Chancellor, HNLU Raipur - Dr. Ayan Hazra
Editor of Koitur & Head, Centre for Law and Indigenous Studies - Dr. Deepak Srivastava
Registrar (In-Charge), HNLU - Faculty members and students of HNLU
Why Koitur: People of Nature Matters
- Promotes Indigenous justice through legal scholarship
- Encourages interdisciplinary research
- Strengthens dialogue between law, culture, and ecology
- Sets a new benchmark for rights-based academic publications in India
Conclusion
The release of Koitur: People of Nature marks an important step in advancing Indigenous legal studies in India. By blending law, culture, and community voices, the magazine stands as a powerful academic platform dedicated to justice, dignity, and sustainability for Indigenous peoples.