UditVani, Jamshedpur : Day 4 of Samvaad 2025 reaffirmed the conclave’s mission to amplify the voices, wisdom and cultural expressions of India’s tribal communities. The day featured rich discussions, creative showcases and the announcement of winners of the 8th National Film Festival of Samuday se Saath.
Sessions across Akhra opened the day, offering deep reflections through the tribal lens. Participants engaged in conversations on community-led development, market dynamics of tribal art and handicrafts, and traditional healing practices rooted in ancestral knowledge. The Samuday ke Saath segment further explored identity, representation and lived realities through the medium of film.
The 8th National Short Film Competition concluded with a remarkable response, drawing 42 entries from 38 filmmakers representing 11 tribes across 13 States and Union Territories.
In the Community Category
Puise Dare, The Money Plant by Ramesh Kumar Hembram (Santhal, Odisha) and Oloh me Babu by Rahit Marndi (Santhal, Odisha) were declared Winners.
Phulon by Manoj Kumar (Oraon, Jharkhand) earned a Special Jury Mention.
Puise Dare, The Money Plant also won the Popular Choice Award.
In the Institutional Category
By the Home by Mankap Nokwoham (Wancho, Arunachal Pradesh) won 1st place,
Mhari Topli Ma Kekda by Laxminarayan Devda (Korku, Madhya Pradesh) secured 2nd place,
Sashakt Naari, Samarth Gram (She Begins to Lead) by Roshani Chouhan (Bhilala, Madhya Pradesh) won 3rd place.
Special Jury Mentions went to Black Gold by Raj Mohan Soren (Santhal, Jharkhand) and Palimpsest by Shristy Marandi (Santhal, Jharkhand). By the Home also received the Popular Choice Award. The festival saw strong participation from both men and women filmmakers, reflecting a growing interest in tribal storytelling.
Speaking on the occasion, Sourav Roy, CEO, Tata Steel Foundation, said:
“Samvaad, over the last eight years, has been providing a platform through cinema to tribal communities in voicing issues and aspirations. This year’s participation from over 72 filmmakers proves that there is an abundance of creative instinct that must be nurtured in the right direction.”
The evening cultural showcase brought together vibrant performances by the Santhal, Mizo, Mavilan, Gujjar and Sabar communities, followed by high-energy presentations by the Hornbill cohort and Sofiyum band from Sikkim, leaving audiences spellbound.
Meanwhile, Aatithya, the tribal food pop-up, continued to attract visitors eager to savour authentic indigenous dishes. The art, handicrafts and traditional healing practices stalls at Gopal Maidan also drew steady admiration for their cultural richness and originality.
Samvaad 2025 continues to stand as a powerful platform celebrating tribal identity, knowledge systems and creative expression.
