Jamshedpur, Nov 17: Day three of Samvaad 2021, a Tribal Conclave organised by Tata Steel Foundation, witnessed some of the interesting stories coming out from the distinguished participants representing their own fields from across the country.
Dr. H. Carehome Pakayein, a tribal healer from Jowai, Meghalaya shared his story. Being a qualified herbal medicinal practitioner, he has been treating people for last 33 years. He converted 1.8 hectares of land into herbal garden. “I have been providing treatment for various ailments including cancer and providing free treatment to the needy. I am also teaching in different universities as a guest faculty and have received many national and international awards. I have been participating in Samvaad for the fourth time. It is a great platform to share ideas and Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) is really doing great job to promote and preserve tribal identity and traditions,”
Naren Hansda, resident of Ayodhya hills, West Bengal, is a teacher and is working for forest preservation. Inspired by a tribal song Jangal Mahal, which signifies the importance of forest, he decided to preserve forests. With the help of his students, he planted trees in over 45-acres of barren land. They felt that Santhal culture is on the verge of extinction, and needs to be preserved. If there will be no trees, then people will have to carry oxygen cylinders the way we carry water bottles with us. Many people opposed their work but they continued the mission with complete dedication and passion. They aren’t paid for this, but with selfless devotion they started collecting seeds and planted trees wherever possible. He motivates his students by singing a song Jangal Mahal that says “I am doing my bit and you should also do the same to protect our forest and our culture.”
Deepa Pawar, Managing Trustee & Founder Director, Anubhuti has been working in the field of social development since last 20 years. Having started working with girls and women when she was merely 14 herself, she has worked extensively with youth, women, communities, NGOs, colleges, as well as local and state governments on issues of gender, health, rights, leadership, mentoring, community development, sanitation, etc. across Maharashtra. Campaigns she helped form have reached national and international stages.
She is a Samvaad 2020 Fellow – creating the first-ever book documenting Gadiya Lohar nomadic tribe’s iron weapons/tools making. As a fellow of the Collective Impact Partnership and a Goalkeeper Youth Action Accelerator , her initiatives for preventing workplace sexual harassment and for youth mental health are recognized internationally. She is the Grand Prize winner in UC Berkeley’s Tell Her Story Contest 2018 and was a finalist in the CII Foundation’s Women Exemplar Award 2018. With a Masters in Social Work, she works as trainer and counsellor with the most vulnerable communities, as well as with government officials and corporates.
Md. Irshad, Chef from Taj Bengal is attending for the first time and is here to help the tribal chefs to present their cuisine in front of audience in an attractive manner. In course he learned many traditional recipes which he said will try to promote in thematic parties at Taj.
Amit Syiem from Meghalaya is a government servant and has been participating at Samvaad for the third time. “India is a land of culture and Samvaad is bringing it together under one umbrella. It gave us opportunity to introduce ourselves through our cooking, and represent our culture and identity. It is like a family where we build relationship and learn from each other.” He said.
The art residency is on with artists deciding on the theme for the seven canvases. Each canvas will depic the tribal way of life in some way or the other.
Every evening, a number of performances by tribal communities across the country will be showcased on the YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtyIjTKJAYEaMH3BkcHRVzw). A number of popular tribal bands like Sofiyum and Purple Fusion feature among the list.
