Faith Healing Practices in the Maram Tribe and their Global Comparisons

Authors

  • Hairanga T Research Scholar, Department of Social Work, Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2109-3520
  • Apurba Saha Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2025.v10.n11.014

Keywords:

faith healing, Maram Tribe, spirituality, indigenous healthcare, cultural integration

Abstract

This study aims to explore the faith healing practices of the Maram Tribe in Northeast India, analysing their cultural, spiritual, and medicinal significance. The primary objective is to compare the Maram Tribe's faith healing with other cultures across the globe and specific to India. The methodology employs a qualitative, comparative approach, focusing on content analysis of scholarly articles documenting faith healing practices from the last two decades (2004-2024). By comparing these practices to those in other cultural contexts, the research highlights how faith healing remains central to the Maram Tribe's identity despite challenges from modernization. Key findings emphasize the spiritual nature of faith healing, which in Maram culture is linked to animism and ritualistic interventions for spiritual imbalances. The study advocates for integrating traditional healing with modern healthcare systems to foster cultural sensitivity and improve accessibility in marginalized communities.

Author Biographies

Hairanga T, Research Scholar, Department of Social Work, Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, India

Hairanga T is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Lungnila Elizabeth School of Social Work in Senapati, a position she has held since 2018. She holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore, and cleared the UGC National Eligibility Test in 2019. Her diverse professional background includes roles as a Research Associate at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, a Counsellor for the District Mental Health Department in Senapati, and a Field Work Coordinator. Additionally, she has served as a Para legal volunteer and the Statistic and Research Secretary for the Maram Student Union. Her academic research interests vary from the psychological challenges faced by the elderly population to the perspectives of youth on social issues and children's cognitive development. Proficient in the SPSS package, she was recognized with a commendation for her service in the field of health and public service by the District Administration of Senapati in 2021.

Apurba Saha, Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, India

Dr. Apurba Saha is currently serving as an Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Social Work at Tezpur University, Assam. He holds both a Ph.D. and an M.Phil. in Psychiatric Social Work from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, along with a Master of Social Work from Visva-Bharati University. His professional background spans academic teaching, clinical practice, and research, including prior roles at the LGB Regional Institute of Mental Health and as a Psychiatric Social Worker at NIMHANS. Dr. Saha has served as a Principal Investigator for several major research projects funded by the ICMR, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and the National Commission for Women. His primary research interests include mental health, substance abuse prevention, and psychosocial care in disaster management.

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Published

15-11-2025

How to Cite

Hairanga, T., & Saha, A. (2025). Faith Healing Practices in the Maram Tribe and their Global Comparisons. RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary, 10(11), 144–155. https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2025.v10.n11.014

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Vol. 10 No. 11 (2025): RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary

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