Samvaad 2025: Empowering communities through art, language, enterprise, and social change
Jamshedpur, October 12: Tribal youth of Jharkhand are setting an inspiring example by preserving and promoting their civilization, culture, language, and traditional heritage with the support of the Tata Steel Foundation. Through various community initiatives, they are empowering themselves and others while keeping alive the legacy of their ancestors. On Wednesday, several tribal youth shared their stories of change during a media interaction at the Tribal Culture Centre in Sonari.
Shanti Sido leads Ho language revival in Chaibasa
Tata Steel Foundation will host a tribal conclave, Samvaad, from November 15 to 19 to mark Jharkhand Foundation Day. Artists from Jharkhand and across India will participate to celebrate tribal identity, art, and heritage.
Among them is Shanti Sido from Chaibasa, the National Vice President of the All India Action Committee. Working since 2011 with Tata Steel Foundation, she promotes the Ho language and environmental conservation. With the help of the Ho Umbul Trust, she has facilitated the digging of over 406 ponds in the Chaibasa region, helping tackle water scarcity while providing local livelihoods.
Crafting livelihoods with tradition
Jasmine Gudiya of Potka has turned her passion for handicrafts into a successful business. She and her team of ten make and sell home décor items both offline and online, earning up to Rs 20,000 per month. Jasmine also showcases her products at Johar Haat in Kadma, encouraging local women to pursue financial independence through creativity.
Similarly, Manasi from Ranchi promotes the tribal Kurukh language by teaching children and conducting awareness sessions. A postgraduate, she plans to pursue a PhD in linguistics, while Ankit Oraon trains children in playing traditional instruments like the Mandar and Nagada.
Flowers to Fragrance: Nature Incense
In Tirildih, Potka block, Nandini transforms discarded temple flowers into eco-friendly incense sticks. Supported by the Tata Steel Foundation and Pragati Udyog Mahila Samiti, she collects flowers from temples like Golpahari, Sheetla Mandir (Sakchi), and Rankini Mandir (Kadma). Her “Nature Incense” brand has also found space at exhibitions like Johar Haat and Kala Ghoda in Mumbai, turning waste into livelihood and sustainability.
“After flowers are removed from temples, we collect them, dry them, and prepare incense,” she explained. With the help of the Pragati Yoga Mahila Samiti and Tata Steel Foundation, Nandini’s work combines environmental conservation with women’s entrepreneurship.
Promoting tribal music and cinema
Asha Purti of Sarjamda promotes the Ho language through music. Her album “Rhythm of the Earth”, featuring 12 Ho-language songs including Jonom Hasa (“Birthplace”), will be launched at Samvaad on November 16.
Kiran Manjhi, a young filmmaker, has directed a documentary titled “Ipil Tara Jaiye” on the Santhal community, using cinema to spread awareness about tribal culture and traditions.
Fighting social evils and inspiring change
Malti from Chaibasa is addressing social issues like illiteracy, drug abuse, and child marriage through awareness films in the Ho language. With support from the Tata Steel Foundation and Chaibasa DLSA, her 10–12-minute films aim to spark dialogue and reform in rural areas.
Flavors of Jharkhand win hearts in Mumbai
Lakshmi Hansda from Sarjamda has made a name for herself through tribal cuisine. Her dishes—Chicken Pitha, Chhelka Roti, Marwa Roti, and Ragi Pakora—have even delighted guests at the Taj Hotel, Mumbai.
“I even served traditional drink Hadiya at the Taj Hotel,” she shared with pride. Lakshmi runs a tribal catering business through Adivasi Sagun Mahila Samiti, fulfilling party and event orders while promoting indigenous cuisine.
From corporate job to creative enterprise
Preeti Bala Soren, a resident of Dimna Chandravati Nagar, left her corporate career in Bengaluru to pursue her dream of entrepreneurship. A Pune MBA graduate, she now runs a creative startup making candles, embroidery items, and home décor products, earning nearly Rs 2.5 lakh annually.
“I wanted to return to my roots and create something meaningful,” said Preeti, who embodies the growing trend of educated tribal women returning home to build sustainable livelihoods.
Through the Tata Steel Foundation’s Samvaad platform, these young leaders are proving that tribal heritage is not a relic of the past but a force for the future. From music and language to environment, entrepreneurship, and social reform, they are reshaping the narrative of tribal India.
