Tata Steel : The countdown to the sixth edition of Samvaad begins

~Conclave expected to be attended by more than 1300 tribal representatives and experts on tribalism across India and overseas~

Tata Steel's signature programme Samvaad, a one-of-its kind tribal conclave, that witnesses participation through its year-long engagement of about 10,000 tribal women and men from across the country and around the globe each year, will have its sixth edition in 2019. It will be held on November 15 - 19, 2019 at Gopal Maidan, Jamshedpur. This is a culmination of seven regional editions across Coorg, Kalahandi, Itanagar, Gadchiroli, Gumla, Jhabua and Kharagpur.

Speaking at a Press Conference on Samvaad 2019, Mr Sourav Roy said: 'Over the years, Samvaad has deeply humbled us. Having explored themes that contour the myriad facets of tribalism earlier, the sixth edition marks the time to deep dive into contemporary matters, the endeavour being to preserve the tribal way of life in this fast-changing world.'

The conclave this year is focusing on 'Tribalism Today', that has been endorsed by more than 800 tribal men and women from 103 tribes across 18 states. The theme recognises that the world today is changing at an unprecedented pace which is placing complex questions, redefining success and eliciting complicated societal responses across the world but there is limited understanding on what all of this means for tribal communities as well as an openness to seek answers to some of these dilemmas which may actually rest with our tribes.

The Samvaad ecosystem, over the last five years, has developed into a platform that has reached out to more than 10,000 voices, across 17 countries worldwide and aims to provide a space to emerging voices from the tribal communities to explore aspirations and celebrate their heritage while sensitising non-tribal communities on the same.

The pan India conclave will hear stories from across the country and abroad with participation from international tribes like the Kalinago people from Dominica. Renowned development space experts and academicians like Patricia Mukhim, Subhash Ware, Professor Ramaswami Balasubramanium, Martin Macwan, and many others will engage in sharing sessions to highlight their experience in various areas that affect the communities and enrich the platform with their thoughts. The five days will therefore witness a cross-pollination of ideas among more than 1000 tribal women and men who are expected to join us at Samvaad 2019 and will also celebrate the vibrant cultures of the different tribes.

The many offshoots of Samvaad such as Tribal Cuisine, Tribal Handicraft, Tribal Healers and the cultural performances from various tribes that contribute significantly to the essence of Samvaad will bring the traditional practices and rich heritage to the ground on all five evenings. In addition to exhibiting handicrafts, jewellery and handloom, for the first time, an open canvas at the site will showcase and celebrate the commingling of eight tribal art forms which will be painted live by 14 painters from eight tribes and eight states.

With people embracing healthier diets and nutritional food habits, tribal cuisine has become an integral part of the conclave. Samvaad will celebrate traditional dishes of Warli tribe, Nocte tribe and Rabha tribe and host a curated lunch to promote the delectable flavours of these communities. Tribal Healers on the other hand will bring traditional medicinal knowledge from the tribal communities to the ground, making available treatments for health and lifestyle issues in addition to the work of International healers.

The evenings will showcase cultural performances from more than 15 tribes including ones by Bhil, Dhamsa, Rabha, Irula, Mavilan, Jaintia, etc. Samvaad's band Rhythms of the Earth which is bringing together 90 artists from 16 tribes and six states this year, will partner with Swarathma to contribute to the musical brilliance with the view to promote and preserve the rich, harmonious heritage of the tribal communities.

The dialogues during Samvaad have certainly intensified and discussions have become richer with each passing year, and therefore, the endeavour is to scale up and attempt to provide a platform to our communities which will be commensurate with their expectations.

About Tata Steel
Tata Steel group is among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 33 million tonnes per annum (MnTPA). It is one of the world's most geographically-diversified steel producers, with operations and commercial presence across the world. The group (excluding SEA operations) recorded a consolidated turnover of US $22.67 billion in the financial year ending March 31, 2019. In 2018, Tata Steel acquired Bhushan Steel Ltd (now renamed as Tata Steel BSL Ltd).

A Great Place to Work-Certified organisation, Tata Steel Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, is spread across five continents with an employee base of over 65,000.

Tata Steel retained the 'Global Steel Industry Leader' position in the DJSI 2018. The Company has been recognised as the Climate Disclosure Leader in 'Steel category' by CDP (2017). Besides being a member of the World Steel Climate Action Programme, Tata Steel has won several awards including the Prime Minister's Trophy for the best performing integrated steel plant for 2016-17, 'GreenPro' certification for products (Tata Pravesh Steel Doors, Tata Structura, Tata Pipes) by CII, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status (Tier 2) by the Directorate of International Customs (Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India), 'Corporate Strategy Award' by Mint (2018), Golden Peacock Award for Risk Management (2018) and Best Risk Management Framework & Systems Award (2019) by CNBC TV18. The Company also received the 'Most Ethical Company' award from Ethisphere Institute for the eight time (2019), Steel Sustainability Champion (2018) by the World Steel Association, Dun & Bradstreet Corporate Awards (2019), Golden Peacock HR Excellence Award by Institute of Directors (2018), 'Best Companies To Work For' recognition by Business Today, 'Asia's Best Integrated Report' award by the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards (2017), among several others.

In 2018, the Company launched a corporate brand campaign #WeAlsoMakeTomorrow. (www.wealsomaketomorrow.com).

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