Verrier Elwin, a British-born Indian anthropologist, played a pivotal role in shaping India's tribal policy, particularly with respect to the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), now Arunachal Pradesh. His philosophy evolved over time, but his core concern remained the protection and welfare of tribal communities, advocating for an approach that respected their unique cultures and ways of life.

Initially, Elwin proposed a 'National Park' policy for tribals, suggesting that they should be isolated from the 'corrupting' influences of mainstream society to preserve their pristine cultures. This idea, though well-intentioned, was criticized for potentially leading to stagnation and denying tribals the benefits of development. However, his views matured, and he later advocated for a more nuanced approach, often termed 'protective discrimination' or 'controlled integration.'

With respect to Arunachal Pradesh, where he served as an anthropological advisor, Elwin emphasized the importance of allowing tribal communities to develop according to their own genius and traditions. He strongly believed that development should not be imposed from above but should emerge from within the community, respecting their customary laws, social structures, and religious beliefs. He championed the idea that tribal culture was not primitive but a rich and complex heritage that deserved preservation and respect. His work in NEFA involved extensive ethnographic studies, documenting the diverse cultures of the region, which helped in formulating policies that were sensitive to local contexts.

Elwin's philosophy significantly influenced Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's 'Tribal Panchsheel' – five principles for tribal development. These principles advocated for allowing tribals to develop along the lines of their own genius, avoiding over-administration, training their own people for administration, avoiding over-assimilation, and judging progress not by statistics but by the quality of human character. Elwin's legacy in Arunachal Pradesh is profound, as his ideas laid the foundation for a tribal policy that sought to balance modernization with cultural preservation, aiming for integration without assimilation, and empowering tribal communities to chart their own course of development.