Dr. Amphu Terangpi has etched her name into academic history by becoming the first member of the Karbi community to be appointed as an Assistant Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. Her achievement marks a significant milestone for indigenous representation in India’s higher education and research landscape.

Dr. Terangpi recently completed her PhD titled “Art and Craft of Karbi Anglong of Assam: A Folkloric Study” from the University of Hyderabad. The research was carried out under the guidance of Prof. Y. A. Sudhakar Reddy and Prof. P. S. Kanaka Durga, and focuses on documenting, analysing, and preserving the traditional art, craft, and folklore of the Karbi people of Assam.

The Centre for Karbi Studies (CKS) has formally congratulated Dr. Terangpi, describing her work as a landmark contribution to indigenous scholarship. According to the Centre, her research not only preserves endangered cultural knowledge but also brings academic visibility to the rich artistic traditions of Karbi Anglong, a region known for its unique tribal heritage.

Dr. Terangpi’s academic journey reflects sustained excellence and commitment to cultural studies. She holds both a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in History of Art from Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan—one of India’s most respected institutions for art and cultural education. Her work has also been recognised at the national level through a prestigious fellowship awarded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, underscoring the relevance of her research to tribal studies and policy discourse.

In its statement, the Centre for Karbi Studies noted that Dr. Terangpi’s scholarship bridges academic research and community knowledge, strengthening efforts toward cultural preservation and intergenerational transmission of indigenous art forms. The organisation expressed confidence that her future academic work will further enrich Karbi studies and inspire young scholars from indigenous communities.

Dr. Amphu Terangpi’s achievement stands as a powerful example of how rigorous research, cultural rootedness, and academic excellence can come together—opening new pathways for indigenous voices within India’s premier universities.