UditVani, Jamshedpur: The 11th edition of Samvaad, enabled by Tata Steel Foundation, concluded in Jamshedpur with a vibrant display of India’s tribal heritage, bringing together nearly 2,500 individuals representing 168 tribes. This five-day cultural extravaganza at Gopal Maidan showcased the rich diversity of tribal communities across India through performances, discussions, and exhibitions.
A Cultural Convergence: Tribal Performances and Camaraderie
The heart of Samvaad 2024 was the evening performances, where tribes from across India brought their distinct cultures to the stage. The event witnessed a vivid exchange of traditions and artistic expressions, symbolizing the unity in diversity that defines India’s tribal communities. The third contingent of Hornbill enthralled the audience with their captivating performance on the fourth day, while the event concluded with a high-energy performance by the Tetseo Sisters from Nagaland.
Exploring Tribal Cuisine and Traditional Practices
At the Aathithya stall, local residents had the opportunity to indulge in a variety of tribal delicacies. The stall offered an immersive experience into tribal culinary traditions, with unique dishes from different regions of India. In addition to food, visitors interacted with tribal healers and craft specialists, gaining insights into their traditional practices, healing methods, and rich cultural stories.
Musical Moments: Rhythms of the Earth and Colours of Jharkhand
Music played a central role in Samvaad 2024, with 28 cultural performances representing 28 tribes from 11 states and one union territory. A standout moment came when Colours of Jharkhand, a group of 245 musicians, performed a mesmerizing blend of music and rhythmic choreography, celebrating the vibrant cultural diversity of Jharkhand’s tribes. Additionally, Rhythms of the Earth, a collective of 75 musicians, released new tracks from their latest album, energizing the crowd with their eclectic tribal beats.
Artisan Showcase: Record Sales and Traditional Craftsmanship
This year, Samvaad also served as a platform for 125 tribal artisans who showcased their work across 53 stalls. The event marked a record-breaking year for tribal art sales, totaling over 40 lakhs. Visitors had the chance to purchase handcrafted jewelry, textiles, and artwork directly from the artisans, promoting the preservation and recognition of tribal craftsmanship.
Healing Wisdom: Tribal Healers Share Traditional Knowledge
A significant highlight of Samvaad 2024 was the presence of 154 tribal healers from 38 tribes across 12 states. These healers shared their deep knowledge of traditional healing practices, offering natural remedies and medicinal oils. The event also emphasized the critical importance of preserving and documenting these ancient healing techniques for future generations.
Tribal Dialogues: Conversations on Identity and Preservation
In addition to performances and exhibitions, Samvaad hosted in-depth discussions on tribal narratives, identity, and cultural preservation. Over 330 participants, including tribal leaders and changemakers from 89 tribes, engaged in conversations about the importance of preserving tribal heritage. A special session focused on the need to document traditional healing practices and the role of nature in tribal life.
Samuday Ke Saath National Short Film Competition
The Samuday Ke Saath National Short Film Competition saw 46 film entries from 15 tribes and 11 states. The top two winners—Malarin Khoda by Priyanshu Kisku and Sohraii by Ranveer Bhagat—were celebrated for their portrayal of tribal lives and experiences, further highlighting the creativity and resilience of India’s tribal communities.
Traditional Sports: Kati and Sekor in Action
Every evening, tribal communities gathered at Gopal Maidan to showcase their traditional sports, including Kati and Sekor, which attracted crowds of curious onlookers. These games, a source of pride for many tribes, provided a unique and engaging way to connect with the tribal way of life.
Fellowship Recognition: Empowering Tribal Changemakers
Samvaad 2024 also honored the achievements of seven individuals through the Samvaad Fellowship. These fellows, recognized for their contributions to the preservation and promotion of tribal culture, were celebrated for their efforts in making a positive impact within their communities.
Looking Ahead: A Message from the Tata Steel Foundation:
Reflecting on the success of Samvaad 2024, Sourav Roy, CEO of Tata Steel Foundation, expressed gratitude to all participants, visitors, and the people of Jamshedpur for their continued support in making the event a resounding success. He emphasized the importance of coming together to celebrate and preserve tribal culture for future generations.
This year’s Samvaad conclave not only showcased the diversity of India’s tribal communities but also fostered deeper understanding and appreciation for their rich cultural heritage, while providing a platform for tribal voices to be heard and celebrated on a national stage.
उदित वाणी 
टेलीग्राम पर भी उपलब्ध है। यहां क्लिक करके आप सब्सक्राइब कर सकते हैं।