Together We Rise- Samvaad Edition
“Samvaad, over eleven years now, has emerged as an ecosystem which converges patient, contemplative dialogue and builds narratives of constructive action on key elements of tribal identity. - Sourav Roy, CEO, Tata Steel Foundation
Welcoming a New Decade of Samvaad
In this edition of Together We Rise, we bring you the highlights of Samvaad 2024. What began in 2014 as a tribal conclave has evolved into a dynamic ecosystem fostering dialogue, creativity, and action to preserve tribal identity.
With the reverberating beats of 451 Nagadas, Samvaad entered its second decade at Gopal Maidan, Jamshedpur, celebrating the diverse heritage, wisdom, and culture of India’s tribal communities. The 11th edition, held from November 15th to 19th, welcomed over 2,500 participants from 168 tribes across 25 states and 3 union territories, with over 22,000 visitors joining the celebration at Gopal Maidan.
Perspectives on Progress
We firmly believe that the tribal way of life holds answers to some of today’s most pressing issues—be it global warming, harmony, or inclusive progress. Learning from the wisdom of Adivasi lifestyle inspired the inception of Samvaad.
-Jiren Topno, Head Tribal Identity and Urban Services
The problems we face today often lead us to look for solutions in science, technology, and ancient philosophies. In this quest, we found profound wisdom in the interactions with tribal communities. This wisdom, if brought back into today’s context and implemented within the larger society, could solve many pressing global problems. We firmly believe that tribals hold answers to the world’s most urgent questions, whether it’s about tackling global warming or fostering inclusivity. Their way of life is a model from which we can learn immensely. This belief gave birth to Samvaad.
We realized that dialogue is essential. If people from different castes and communities come together to engage in meaningful conversations, solutions to problems can emerge very easily. A platform was created that allows people to express their views, and share not just their challenges, but also their joys, celebrations, culture, talents, and art. Samvaad has nearly completed a decade. Reflecting on this journey, the most remarkable achievement is the network of tribals it has created. There is such a connection, a bond among tribal communities themselves. For instance, someone from a remote part of Jharkhand like Kiriburu may now be friends with someone from Ladakh or Kerala. With mobile phones in hand, they stay connected, sharing challenges, supporting each other, and finding solutions together. This network itself is a very big achievement of 10 years.
-Jiren Topno, Head Tribal Identity and Urban Services
Community Voices
"This is the biggest thing that when we meet our brothers and sisters, especially tribal brothers and sisters, we feel that we are not alone. Like I am from Ho tribe and here in our Jharkhand, there are Santhali, Ho, Munda, and Bhoomi tribes, but when we came to know that apart from this also, there are other tribes too like Gond tribe, Birhor tribe, Bodo tribe in North East, and many different types of tribes. This makes us feel that our culture, which we used to say in ancient times, that India is indeed Sone Ki Chidiya(A Golden Bird)- it is visible in our culture, and is still alive today. So somewhere in it, our tribal people, when we go to Samvaad, get to know each other, and recognize each other, then it seems that our culture is very rich.
During a TLP session, I got to know about soul of nature. We live in the lap of nature but we never tried to know it closely. In Panchgani, during TLP session, I got to know that, when we go closer and start talking to trees, rocks, then we feel that they also have life, they also want to say something and want to talk to us."
- Dobo Chakia, Ho Tribe
Elements of Samvaad
Tribal Cuisine
To me, food is more than a taste, its about the experience and the story about the food and the cultural heritage that we have. -Jorlin Taropi, Karbi Tribe, Assam
For tribal communities, food is not just a meal; it is a connection to their roots, a celebration of identity, and a preservation of their way of life. By preserving and sharing their food, they are not just keeping their heritage alive— they are sharing their stories with the world.
The flavors of tribal cuisine came to life at Samvaad, as over 300+ home chefs brought the flavors of their roots to the table, offering 100+ unique recipes from 30 tribes. In partnership with The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) , these traditional dishes, rooted in natural ingredients and traditional techniques, reached 20,000+ people at Gopal Maidan and households across Jamshedpur through home delivery platforms.
15 traditional dishes, like Mongili Arasu (bamboo rice) from the South, Apricot Sweet from Ladakh, and Kyiad Truh from the Northeast, were served at zone-wise curated lunches. 20 traditional recipes were documented during hands-on cooking sessions. Evening stalls achieved sales of ₹243,870 in five days, while Zomato deliveries added ₹26,600 from 63 orders, bringing tribal flavors to more people.
Samvaad began in 2014, and in 2017, we recognized the importance of food—something so dear to people's hearts. As the saying goes, "the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach." That’s why we thought we should pay attention to the tribal food and we should research on it and share its importance with the world. Tribal communities have a deep connection to ‘Jal, Jungle, Zameen’ (Water, Forest, Land), and this is reflected in their cooking. Many of their recipes require no oil or spices, instead using natural spices boiled with fresh greens. These dishes are not only healthy but also incredibly flavorful.
-Sreya Ganguly
Know more about tribal cuisine and the stories of tribal chefs below:
Tribal Art and Handicraft
When I used to paint earlier, people did not know about it and Sohrai paintings were gradually disappearing. What used to be a mud house before, is no longer a mud house, there are pukka houses now. People no longer make pictures either. When I started painting and joined my first residency at Samvaad, then people started recognizing me and they got to know about this art. Now, they also get excited about knowing it and they feel they should do it too. - Sunita Hembram, a Sohrai painting artist
Tribal art and handicrafts are not just aesthetic expressions, but profound reflections of a community's heritage, passed down through generations. At Samvaad, we celebrate this legacy, celebrating a vibrant array of art forms and craftsmanship from across India, such as Sohrai paintings, Tassar silk stoles, herbal soaps, and more.
"Through Samvaad, we strive to connect deeply with our communities and help artisans build not just livelihoods but identities. By focusing on quality, capacity building, and market connections, we hope to see tribal crafts become a recognized and cherished part of every home.”- Smita Verma, Tata Steel Foundation
This year, Samvaad witnessed 31 unique art forms crafted by 124 artisans from 28 tribes. 52 stalls were set up with total sales of 53.53 lakhs, which is a 38% increase compared to the sales of last year. Capacity building workshops discussing marketing strategies, scaling enterprises, product design, product positioning were held. Check out the stories of tribal artisans who showcased at Samvaad 2024, below:
Tribal Healers
I learned the knowledge of herbal medicine from my father, and my father learned it from my grandfather. I have been coming to Samvaad since the beginning. People from different tribes across India come here, and I have learned a lot from them. My knowledge in traditional tribal culture increased, and before I did not follow that, but now I follow it and document it too. And seeing me, people in my area too follow it. I also got to learn a lot from other healers who use hearbal medicine in different ways. - Sarojini Goyal Panika
India is home to over 1 million folk healers, who are preserving the traditional tribal healing wisdom, deeply intertwined with nature's rhythms. This year at Samvaad, 154 healers from 38 tribes across 12 states and 1 Union Territory came together to share experiences, exchange knowledge, and address challenges. The sessions emphasized integrating tribal healing practices with modern healthcare systems, highlighting the role of healers in public health initiatives like working alongside ASHA workers and contributing to Village Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition Committees.
31 medicine stalls along with a massage stall were set up for the sale of medicine where medicines of various diseases were displayed. More than Rs. 4 lakhs worth of sales were made during the 5 days of Samvaad. In a remarkable highlight, a paralysis patient experienced a 30% improvement in hand movement after just one massage therapy session. Check out the video below to discover the stories and vision of these tribal healers:
Samuday Ke Saath
In India, there aren’t many films which are made on tribals or by tribals. So, we started a competition through which people make good films and these get added to the collection of tribal cinema which can then be shown in vilages and schools. Like in Jamshedpur, we have shown films in almost all schools and we go the realiziation that it is important to show tribal cinema. I remember a line from a principal who said that "through these films we are learning who we are and who our neighbors are."
-Suraj Gilua
Samuday Ke Saath provides a platform for filmmakers from tribal communities to share their narratives and connect through the power of cinema. This year, over 60 filmmakers from 14 tribal communities across 10 states participated, engaging in sessions on authentic representation, cultural preservation, real-world issues, and sustainable filmmaking.
The richness and resilience of Adivasi communities were celebrated, with the 2024 Samuday Ke Saath National Short Film Competition receiving 46 entries from 15 tribes across 11 states. These films showcased the diversity and vibrancy of tribal storytelling, honoring the unique voices and perspectives of indigenous filmmakers. Tune into the podcast below, where filmmaker Ravi Raj Murmu and Suraj Gilua, Manager, Tribal Identity, at Tata Steel Foundation, reflect on the journey and vision of Samuday ke Saath (SKS).
Rhythms of the Earth
We have only one dream. That Rhythms Of The Earth becomes a music label where all tribal musicians can come join us and work freely. Now, we are creating new songs and bringing new music. In this world of music, what is needed the most today is creativity and newness. So, Rhythms of the Earth always try to present tribal music in a new way and takes the initiative to do something new. If we look at our journey, year after year now, around 30,000 to 40,000 people connect with us not just during conclave, but throughout the year.
-Ankita Toppo, Manager, Tribal Identity
Rhythms of the Earth is a music collective that resonates as a celebration of India’s tribal music, weaving together stories, traditions, and voices from tribes across the country. This year, the collective brings together artists from 14 tribes across 7 states and 1 Union Territory, creating a harmonious ensemble that is as diverse as it is unified.
At Samvaad 2024, Rhythms of the Earth presented a 90-minute set, featuring original tracks from Cohort 2 with compositions, created in collaboration with Da Shugs honoring the roots of tribal heritage. They also released 5 original tribal songs based on the themes of World Indigenous Day 2024. These songs celebrate the spirit of tribal life while addressing key challenges faced by tribal communities. Dive into the rhythm and spirit of tribal heritage—explore these powerful songs now:
Samvaad Fellowship
The fellowship was envisioned in 2017 when we recognized that many young people in India, though still connected to their cultural roots, are witnessing loss of their culture, traditions, and rituals. There are many tribes, which are on the path of extinction. Fellowship is a medium where tribal youth step forward to preserve their culture, rituals, customs and traditions. Our older generation, our elders, will slowly leave this world but our cultural heritage need to be kept alive.
-Shalini Kujur
Samvaad Fellowship is awarded to tribal youth who are dedicated to preserving various aspects of their culture. At Samvaad 2024, 42 participants from 25 tribes across 13 states gathered for a series of expert-led sessions exploring diverse themes—from project management to innovative methods of folklore documentation. 7 fellowships were awarded to promising tribal youth leaders who will be documenting and exploring crucial elements of their tribes. 4 books ,5 videos, and 1 audio visual documentary by the previous cohort of fellows were released. Tune into the conversation with Shalini Kujur and Binit Barla as they share the journey of Samvaad Fellowship through the years:
Akhra
Akhra brought together 348 participants representing 89 tribes and 18 particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PvtG) from 22 states and 1 union territory this year. Communities shared their journeys in a safe space meant to foster honest dialogue and reflection. The themes explored were Ek Aur Ek: Power of Collectivisation; Bh(aa)vishya, where participants explored the idea of the future from a tribal lens; Adiwasiyat Ka Arth which explored different meanings of Adiwasiyat(indigeneity); and Earth ke liye Adiwasiyat which highlighted the role of tribal communities in environmental conservation.
Culturals
The cultural evenings at Samvaad came alive with mesmerizing performances by over 1,000 participants from 50 tribes across 11 states and 1 union territory. Featuring 10 special performances, these evenings celebrated the diverse cultural expressions of India’s tribal communities.
Through music and dance, which remain important aspects of tribal identity, tribes shared a heartfelt glimpse into their traditions and way of life. Each performance was a journey into the heart of a unique heritage.
Catch the highlights of these unforgettable evenings below!
A Vision for the Future
What we have to do next, we will not decide; this community will decide. So this year, we will try to stand at such a point in the future and try to look back. Suppose after 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, what will be our state? And how would we want to see ourselves at that time? If we want to reach there, then what should we do now? So the community will talk to each other about this, will decide their own program, and our only task is to enable them, support them, and help them reach there.
- Jiren Topno, Head Tribal Identity and Urban Services
Gallery
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5dGreat! "Samvaad 2024: A beautiful celebration of tribal identity, heritage, and kinship! 🌍✨ Over 2,500 participants from 168 tribes came together for a powerful five-day festival of culture, music, and dialogue. Here’s to a year of collaboration and collective action! #Samvaad2024 #TribalHeritage #TogetherWeRise #CulturalCelebration"
Entrepreneur (Telecommunication,CSR & Livelihood Vertical)
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Program Manager (PM), Tata Trusts - RGR Cell- Implementation of CSR Projects and author of "Tunes Without Sounds" & "A Journey for Water" in English and 10 more books (Fictions & Non fictions) in Tamil.
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6dInteresting event