Tribal conclave to unite 2,500 participants for dialogue, culture and tribal enterprise
Samvaad is finally showing tangible outcomes, says Sourav Roy
Jamshedpur, Nov 14: Samvaad 2025, one of India’s most prominent platforms celebrating tribal identity, will be held at Gopal Maidan from November 15 to 19, 2025. The upcoming edition carries special importance as it coincides with Jharkhand’s 25th Statehood Day and the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, said Tata Steel Foundation CEO Sourav Roy.
Addressing a press conference at the Tribal Culture Centre in Sonari, Roy said that Samvaad 2025 will bring together 2,500 participants representing 153 tribes from 26 states and Union Territories, aiming to cover nearly 50% of India’s tribal representation at a single forum. Since its inception in 2014, Samvaad has evolved into a one-of-its-kind ecosystem of tribal identity, connecting over 43,500 people from 333 tribes across India through sustained dialogue, exchange, and celebration.
Jharkhand government had engaged with the Foundation on several occasions. As late former Education Minister, Ramdas Soren had earlier sent a delegation to West Bengal to study tribal language initiatives and later consulted the Foundation based on that report. “There have been multiple discussions in the Jharkhand Cabinet on tribal languages, where our team has also contributed. Work has moved from both sides,” said Jiren Xavier Topno, Head, Tribal Identity, Tata Steel Foundation.
Tribal healers from 24 tribes across 12 states will come together at 30 outlets in Gopal Maidan to share their traditional health practices. The focus this year includes lifestyle diseases, chiropractic care, infertility, and more.
‘Intellectual property concerns are real for healers’
Speaking on tribal leaders, healers and knowledge practitioners, Sourav Roy highlighted both progress and challenges. He said there is strong participation from tribal musicians and language custodians, but work with healers is moving slowly due to the need for scientific validation. “Bridging community knowledge with scientific evidence takes time. We work only at the pace at which communities are comfortable,” he said. Many healers are willing to share their processes, while others are hesitant due to concerns about intellectual property and traditional ownership.
Sales could exceed Rs 85 lakh at Samvaad: Sourav Roy
On economic empowerment, Roy shared that the Sambandh ecosystem—built under Samvaad—now includes around 120 to 125 functional tribal-led enterprises. The previous edition recorded sales worth nearly Rs 70 lakh at Gopal Maidan, all of which went directly to tribal societies. “We expect to cross at least Rs 85 lakh this year. Publicity and footfall make a huge difference,” he said. He added that tribal culinary groups nurtured by Samvaad have been invited to multiple food festivals across the country, including regular pop-ups at Taj Hotel Puri.
Samvaad is finally showing tangible outcomes, says Sourav Roy
Roy emphasised that Samvaad is now delivering tangible results after 12 years of consistent work. “Three or four years ago, we were not yet ready to showcase outcomes. Now, the results are visible,” he said.
Regarding international participation, Roy confirmed that overseas delegates from countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand will not attend this year. He said the focus is intentionally on strengthening local engagement. “Our global partners can join anytime, but we believe their resources are better invested in building stronger community initiatives here,” he noted.
Samvaad 2025 will jointly be inaugurated at 6 p.m. by elders from the tribal community of Jharkhand as well as the senior leadership of Tata Steel Foundation. This is now an established tradition where the elders are joined by nine children from tribal communities who are carving a path of their own and stand for the intergenerational nature of Samvaad.
Each day of Samvaad features Contemplation and Celebration — mornings dedicated to dialogue across multiple venues, and evenings converging at Gopal Maidan for vibrant cultural performances. Visitors can explore 51 outlets showcasing tribal handicrafts and 30 stalls dedicated to tribal healing practices, offering an immersive experience of tribal knowledge and craftsmanship.
Elements at Samvaad
Tribal Cuisine: This year’s culinary journey of Aatithya – Tribal Cuisine brings together 19 home cooks from 12 diverse tribes, presenting a wide variety of signature tribal dishes through vibrant food stalls. These unique tribal cuisines will also be available in Jamshedpur on Zomato. The Zomato counter goes live from November 15 at 3pm, and there onwards from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. each day between November 16-19.
Healers: Tribal healers from 24 tribes across 12 states will come together at 30 outlets in Gopal Maidan to share their traditional health practices. The focus this year includes lifestyle diseases, chiropractic care, infertility, and more.
Handicrafts: A vibrant showcase of 34 unique tribal art forms from 18 states and 30 tribes will be presented through 51 outlets at Gopal Maidan. The exhibition will feature home décor, paintings, textiles, jewellery, blue pottery, and more.
Samuday Ke Saath: Samuday Ke Saath through films will highlight cultural identity and wisdom, while fostering an alternative perspective on development surrounding tribal communities in India. Over the years, seven national short film competitions have been conducted under this initiative, with the eighth edition currently underway. More than 250 films have been submitted across these editions and 46 films made by both new and seasoned tribal filmmakers have been recognised through this platform till date.
Samvaad Fellowship: The Samvaad Fellowship, highlighting 34 participants selected from 572 applications across 26 states and 122 tribes, will continue to catalyse grassroots cultural movement. These fellows are at the forefront of cultural conservation, having delivered 70 intellectual properties and projects, with five slated for release in 2025 and another five set to be awarded the Fellowship this year.
The conclave will also witness Kati and Sekkor matches at the Gopal Maidan each day from 5p.m. This is an element of Samvaad ecosystem and will encourage participation from the spectators while allowing an opportunity for dialogue with the players, on preserving tribal sports.
