Postgraduate Diploma in Indigenous Studies (PGDIS)

THE BACKGROUND

Bethesda Khankho Institute (BKI) is a Centre for Integrated Studies specialized in Indigenous knowledge. It is the project of Bethesda-Khankho Foundation, Manipur, led by an ecumenical body of Indigenous scholars in North-East India. Prompted by the need for and contribution of Indigenous Studies for sustainable community in the modern world, BKI was inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor of Martin Luther Christian University, Dr Vincent T. Darlong on May 31, 2019 and an MoU was signed with the University (MLCU) Shillong, Meghalaya on June 14, 2019.

VISION & MISSION

Our focus is on seeing BKI become a leader in providing integrated studies specialized in Indigenous knowledge for Kingdom Vocations.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INSTITUTION

BKI exists to promote a deeper study of indigenous knowledge through research, participatory learning, holistic education and publication to prepare contextually well-rooted and globally well-connected communities for sustainable Earth community. Hence, we are committed to:

(a) Deeper study of Indigenous Knowledge and its implications for ecology, wellness, and community sustainability.

(b) Tracing the complex social, religious, cultural, economic and political developments that marginalises the place and role of the Indigenous people and their heritage in the development of knowledge.

(c) Analysing and interpreting Indigenous people’s life-world for the enrichment of human knowledge, community transformation and faith expression.

(d) Conversing with others in a global community who have experience in and interest for integrated studies, particularly in the field of Indigenous knowledge.

(e) Exploring the ways and means of integrating Indigenous knowledge into modern education in order to contribute toward building sustainable global society and ecological peace.

(f) Researching and promoting integrated studies.

GOVERNANCE

The activities of Bethesda Khankho Institute (BKI) for integrated studies is led by an Ecumenical Body of Indigenous scholars approved by the Board of Trustees of Bethesda-Khankho Foundation which includes Rev. Dr. Jangkholam Haokip as its Director, Fr. Peter Haokip (Bishop House, Imphal) as Chairman, and Rev. Dr. V. Lalnghakthang Khawbung (Reformed Presbyterian Church, NEI), Dr Hemchon Chongloi (Trulock Theological Seminary, Imphal), Dr B.L. Nongbri (John Robert Theological Seminary, Shillong), and Dr Songram Basumatary (Gurukul Theological College, Chennai) as members.

CONSULTANTS

Prof Brian Stanley, Former Director of the Centre for the Study of World Christianity, University of Edinburgh, UK, Dr. David Smith, Honorary Lecturer in the School of Divinity, Philosophy and History, University of Aberdeen, UK and Dr. James Krabill, Core Adjunct Professor at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, USA and Prof. Virginius Xaxa, Founding Director, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Gauhati.

DESCRIPTION OF PGDIS

Post Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Studies (PGDIS) is an advanced course for those who completed their graduate level degrees including BTh/BD/MDIV/ and equivalent degrees. It is a foundational course for students who are intending to pursue their PhD in Indigenous knowledge.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

An overall objective of the programme is to promote Indigenous Knowledge and equip students with necessary knowledge and skills for effective leadership and contribution in the church and society. Detailed objectives of the courses are given in the detailed Syllabi.

Structure of the Programme

Post Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Studies is a 40 credits hours programme covering 12 months or Two Semesters commencing from August 2026 to June 2027. The programme combines both theory and practical methods of learning including a study tour to neighbouring states and countries. The approach is necessarily interdisciplinary and the preferred methodologies are Constructivist Grounded Theory and Critical Indigenous Theory. There are five foundational courses, two compulsory and seven electives from optional courses excluding dissertation. Dissertation is compulsory for all the students in the second semester.

Requirements for Graduation

Students must satisfy the University requirement of 40 Credits in total
Students must attend Orientation Programme at the beginning of their programme
Students must produce a field research report in 500 words at the end of the course
Students must clear their papers within 12 months from the date of registration
Students must complete a dissertation of 10,000 words at the end of the course.

List of Courses, Total Credits/number of hours:

Foundational Courses: 14 Credit papers

Course Code: Credit Hours

PGDIS F001 – Indigenous Methodologies 4Cr

PGDIS F002 – Introduction to Indigenous Knowledge 2Cr

PGDIS F003 – Foundation for Indigenous History 2Cr

PGDIS F004 – Biblical Foundations for Indigenous People’s Identity 4Cr

PGDIS F005 – Documentation of Indigenous Wisdom 2Cr

Compulsory Courses: 12 Credits papers

PGDIS C001 – Research and Writing Skills 2Cr

PGDIS Diss – Dissertation 10 Cr

Compulsory Optional Courses: Choose Any 14 Credits papers

PGDIS E001 – Myth, Meaningsand Indigenous Epistemology 2Cr

PGDIS E002 – Indigenous Arts and Christian Theology 2Cr

PGDIS E003 – Indigenous People and Colonial Encounters 2Cr

PGDIS E004 – Indigenous People in Independent India 2Cr

PGDIS E005 – Critical Incidents in Indigenous Life 2Cr

PGDIS E006 – Indigenous People, Land and the Biblical World 2Cr

PGDIS E007 – Indigenous People, Resurgence and Peace 2Cr

PGDIS E008 – Indigenous Knowledge and Ecology 2Cr

PGDIS E009 – Indigenous Music, Dance and Worship 2Cr

PGDIS E010 – Indigenous tradition and Gender 2Cr

PGDIS E011 – Indigenous tradition and Peaceful Coexistence 2Cr

PGDIS E012 – Indigenous Knowledge and Wellness 2Cr

PGDIS E013 – Indigenous Knowledge and Global Sustainable Society 2Cr

PGDIS E014 – Indigenous People of NEI and World Christianity 2Cr

PGDIS E015 – Indigenous People and Alternative Communication 2Cr

PGDIS E016 – Indigenous Medicine, Health and Healing 2Cr

Total: 14 + 12 + 14 = 40

* Calculation of 1 Credit Hour: 1hr lecture [or 2hr practical work] a week for 16 weeks, i.e. 16 lectures of one hour each. 16×20=32- lectures of one hour each.

FACULTY

There are Fifteen faculty members out of which, Three Core faculty, Seven Visiting Faculty, Two Seminar Resource persons and Three Local Mentors. Except the local mentors, all the Twelves teaching faculty members are PhD degree holders including two celebrated scholars from the UK and US.

List of Faculty and their Qualifications 2026-2027
Sl No	Name	Degree	Category
1	Rev Dr Jangkholam Haokip,	PhD (Aberdeen, UK)	Core Faculty
2	Dr Zamminlien Lhungdim	PhD (Uni of Hyderabad)	Core Faculty
3	Fr Peter Haokip	PhD (St Peter Bangalore)	Core Faculty
4	Fr Dr Paul Lelen	PhD, Christ University	Visiting
5	V. Lalnghakthang Khawbung	PhD (Netherlands)	Visiting
6	Biby Varghese	MS, Comp Pune University	Visiting
7	Dr Hemchon Chongloi	DTh (SATHRI, India)	Visiting
8	Rev Dr Songram Basumatary	DTh (SATHRI, India)	Visiting
9	Dr Jangmang Guite	PhD (JNU Delhi), India	Seminar
10	Prof Virginia Xaxa	DU (Delhi) India	Seminar/Consultant
11	Prof Brian Stanley	PhD (Cambridge, UK)	Seminar/Consultant
12	Dr David Smith	PhD (Aberdeen, UK)	Visiting/Consultant
13	Dr James Krabill	PhD (Birmingham, UK)	Visiting/Consultant

PROSPECTS

PGDIS degree holders are eligible to apply for ThM-PhD Integrated Programme of NECU or MLCU or any other Doctoral Programmes as approved by the University.

Fee Structure

Particular	Amount in Rs.	Payment Date (For Semester 1)	Payment Date (For Semester 2)
Application Fee	200	Time of application
Registration Fee	500 + GST	Time of Uni Registration
University Course Fee	4000 + GST	Time of Uni Admission
Convocation Fee	3500		Time of Convocation
Accumulative Transcript	1000		After Convocation
Graduation Certificate	1500		Time of Convocation
Semester Fee	8000	Semester Registration in August	Semester Registration in December
Establishment Fee	3000	Time of Registration
Total	27,200 (incl GST)	15,700	11,500

Semester wise subject distribution and credits

Semester 1& 2 (40 Credits)

Code Course Allotment & Time Table		CR	TIME	TEACHER/ IN-CHARGE
	SEMESTER I
PGDIS C001	Research and Writing Skills	2	Aug	JH
PGDIS F001	Indigenous Methodologies	4	Aug	SB
PGDIS F002	Intro to Indigenous Knowledge/Wisdom	2	Sept	JK
PGDIS F003	Introduction to Indigenous People’s History	2	Sept	JG
PGDIS F004	Foundation for Indigenous People’s Identity	4	Oct	DS
PGDIS F005	Documentation of Indigenous Wisdom	2	Oct	BS
PGDIS E001	Myth, Meanings and Indigenous Epistemology	2	Nov	Fr Peter
PGDIS E002	Indigenous Arts and Christian Theology	2	Nov/Dec	JK
	SEMESTER II	20 Credits in Semester I
	SEMESTER II
PGDIS E006	Indigenous People, Land and the Biblical World	2	Jan	Fr Peter
PGDIS E008	Indigenous Knowledge for Ecological healing	2	Feb	PL
PGDIS E010	Indigenous tradition and Gender	2	Feb	EK
PGDIS E014	Indigenous People of NEI and World Christianity	2	Mar	David
PGDIS E015	Indigenous People and Alternative Communication	2	Mar	ZL
PGDIS E016	Indigenous Medicine, Health and Healing	2	April	JH
	Dissertation	10	May-Jun
	Dissertation	20 Credits in Semester II
		40 Credits in Total

* Please Note: Subject Allotment is tentative. ** Seminars are not included here.

*Jangkholam – JH*	*James Krabil – JK*	*Songram Basumatary – SB*
*BL Nongbri – BLN*	*David Smith – David*	*Peter Haokip – Peter*
*Zamminlen Lhungdim – ZL*	*Biby Sami – BS*	*Edwin Kharkongor – EK*
*Paul Lelen – PL*	*Jangmang Guite – JG*

Learning Objectives

PGDIS degree holders are eligible to apply for ThM-PhD Integrated Programme of MLCU or any other Doctoral Programmes as approved by the University.
They could also apply for lateral entry into Master programmes at MLCU and do a PhD.

ELIGIBILTY FOR ADMISSION

BA/BD/MDiv/MTh/B.Th (Catholic Seminary Degree) or equivalent with work experience
Experienced Ordained pastors/Evangelists/NGO workers/
Members of Village Authority/CSOs etc who have completed their graduation or equivalent.
Clearance of Entrance Examinations/Tests consisting Commitment for higher education, General Knowledge, and English Language.

Subjects

Contact Details

Bethesda Khankho Institute (BKI)

Bethesda Mun, K. Munnom

BPO Koite, Churachandpur, Manipur Pin – 795128

Email: bkiindia2020@gmail.com Mobile/WhatsApp: 9665580993

www.bkim.in

Vision & Mission

Objectives of the Institution

Objectives of the Institution

Our Library

Postgraduate Diploma in Indigenous Studies (PGDIS)

Postgraduate Diploma in Indigenous Studies (PGDIS)