In order to become an educational institute of excellence driven by values and knowledge, while at the same time contributing to local, regional and national productivity, the Vision Statement of Rajiv Gandhi University clearly indicates its priority and thrust areas. The University is located in Arunachal Pradesh, a state that is home to twenty-six major tribes and myriads of colourful sub-tribes. Each tribe has its own culture, beliefs, and language which is unique in itself. Rajiv Gandhi University is one of the few universities in the country which conducts multidisciplinary research on tribal cultural heritage. The University’s Centre for Endangered Languages, which is sponsored by the University Grants Commission, is conducting extensive research on endangered tribal languages of the state. The Centre is focusing on field surveys, documentation, and research of critically endangered languages of the state. It is also looking into these speech groups in their socio-cultural contexts. The University is an academic partner of the Department of Social Justice, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, in developing Cultural Policy Document for the state to protect and promote the indigenous people of the state. The University is also involving with the Central and State government agencies in various sensitive projects like Social Impact Analysis of Hydro Projects in Arunachal Pradesh, Analysis of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Citizens in Arunachal Pradesh, Socio-cultural Profile and Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Monpas of Tawang district, etc. The University holds the distinction of preparing the First Human Development Report for the State of Arunachal Pradesh. The University has undertaken numerous joint studies with national and international Institutes/Universities on tribal tradition, history, transitions, language, etc. Thus, these distinctive engagements of the University are few of its envisioned priority areas.
