11th edition of Samvaad 2024 concludes with vibrant tribal celebrations in Jamshedpur

Tetseo Sisters from Nagaland wrap up Samvaad with high-energy performance

The yearly tribal conclave that has brought over 40,000 individuals over a decade, closed its 11th edition on November 19, with 100 stalls representing art, culture, cuisine, and healing practises of the diverse tribes of India

Jamshedpur, November 20: Samvaad, enabled by Tata Steel Foundation is an emerging ecosystem of tribal identity that closed its 11^th edition with nearly 2500 individuals representing 168 tribes of India.

The five-day long celebrations centered in Gopal Maidan, Jamshedpur, witnessed the convergence of cultures through the evening performances representing individual tribes, bringing with them the vivid camaraderie of the diverse tribes of India.

Local residents immersed themselves in the delectable tribal food served at the Aathithya stall at Gopal Maidan, while interacting with tribal healers and crafts specialists on their practises, stories, and experiences.

The third contingent of Hornbill took the audience on a captivating performance on the fourth day, with Tetseo Sisters from Nagaland closing Samvaad 2024 on a high note.

28 cultural performances representing 28 tribes, 11 states and 1 union territory added to celebrations at Samvaad 2024.

A cohort of 245 musicians known as the Colours of Jharkhand, took the audience on a surreal experience of music and rhythmic choreography, showcasing the vibrant tapestry of the tribes of Jharkhand.

Reflecting on the five-day long conclave, Sourav Roy, Chief Executive Officer, Tata Steel Foundation shared, “Thank you to all the participants who have been coming to Jamshedpur for Samvaad, and also to those who have joined us for the first time. I am also thankful to the people of Jamshedpur who make Samvaad a resounding success with their presence every year and their enthusiasm to immerse in tribal culture and heritage. This year, 125 tribal artisans have had a record sale of over 40 lakhs having showcased their artwork across 53 stalls. Tribal healers from different corners of India have not only shared their collective wisdom on traditional healing practises, but also sold their highest number of medicinal oils and remedies, spread across the 30 stalls at Gopal Maidan.”

Rhythms of the Earth collective, comprising 75 musicians, released few of its songs from their latest album at the conclave on the second day, making the audience rise from their seats and tap a foot to the diverse beats of the tribes in the cohort.

100 home cooks served delicious and new menu every day at Samvaad 2024, showcasing the cuisine of 30 tribes from 15 states in the country.

Nearly 330 individuals, some of whom are tribal leaders and changemakers coming from 89 tribes, 22 states and 3 union territories engaged in conversations on tribal narratives, perspectives on preservation and promotion of tribal identity, through personal journeys.

154 healers from 38 tribes, 12 states and 1 union territory converged to deliberate on the dire need for documentation of traditional, tribal healing practises, promoting the importance of nature surrounding us.

Samuday Ke Saath National Short Film Competition received 46 film entries from 15 tribes and 11 states, where Malarin Khoda by filmmaker Priyanshu Kisku, and Sohraii by filmmaker Ranveer Bhagat were the top two winners.

In this 11th edition, tribal communities were seen playing their traditional sport of kati and sekor at Gopal Maidan, every evening. The sporting event attracted several onlookers who were curious and ushered in the game with loud cheers.

Five books were launched by Samvaad Fellowship alumni members on Mundari folksongs, food culture of Koya tribe, traditional kitchen, and ethnic food of Ladakh, Sumi folksongs, a video journal on Assamese communities. Inakali Assumi, Samvaad Fellow 2022 launched her book Sumi Apu Asu Le, a book on ten pivotal Sumi folksongs from Nagaland. Rashida Kousar, Samvaad Fellow 2022, from Kalikhan family of Yurthung launched her book on the traditional kitchen practises and recipes of Ladakh, that is almost on the brink of extinction.

Binit Barla, Samvaad Fellow 2023, released his book on Mundari folksongs as a guide for music researchers, experts, or those with a knack for music.

Payam Rajendra Prasad, Samvaad Fellow 2019 releases his comprehensive documentation on the food culture of Koya tribe. Kirat Brahma, Samvaad Fellow 2022 released a visual documentation on the Assamese farming communities in an illustrative video.

Seven awarded Samvaad Fellowship for preserving indigenous heritage

Jamshedpur, Nov 20: Tribal conclave Samvaad concluded on Tuesday. This year total of 316 tribal youth applied for the Samvaad fellowship, which provides scholarships to researchers and knowledge keepers of tribal heritage. 32 fellows representing 25 tribes and 13 states made the final cut, of which the top 18 candidates pitched their ideas on restoration of tribal culture and heritage to the jury, comprising seven distinguished members from various walks of life.

The jury members comprised Mahadev Toppo, tribal poet and researcher, Dr Sonam Wangchuk, Founder of Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation, Dr Meenakshi Munda, Anthropologist and Assistant Professor at Kolhan University, Dr Madan Meena, Director of Adivasi Academy, Seetha Kakoth, Head of Department, Rural and Tribal Sociology, University of Kannur, Oinam Doren, a National Award winner and Founder of Our Village Films, and Dr Parmanand Patel, state co-ordinator, SAMHATI cell.

The seven fellows who were granted the Samvaad Fellowship this year, after multiple rounds of pitching and workshops are – Auswyn Winter Japang, from Khasi tribe, Meghalaya who will document the vanishing clan narratives of Hynniew Trep, Eyenbeni Oduyu, from Lotha tribe of Nagaland, who will research on the importance and significance of Lotha Naga textiles, Arun Kumar TV from Mavilan Tribe of Kerala, who will document the rich heritage of the traditional festival of Theyyam, Nikay Besa from Konyak tribe in Nagaland will work towards documenting the indigenous household craft of Konyak Nagas, Sunder Mohan Murmu from Santhal tribe in Jharkhand hopes to create graphic novels or comic books in Ol Chiki script, Padma Lahmo from Bot tribe in Ladakh will document the tale of Bongskangchan in Siachen region of Ladakh including the significance of Losar celebrations, and Sonam Dechen from Bot tribe in Ladakh who will work towards preserving the endangered rituals and folklore of traditional farmers in Ladakh.