The 10th edition of Samvaad 2023, the five-day annual tribal conclave organised by Tata Steel, was held at Jharkhand's Jamshedpur between November 15 and 19. 'Walk with Me' was declared the theme of this year's edition of the grand event.
'Samvaad 2023' witnessed nearly 2500 participants from different tribes of India showcasing their diverse culture in all its splendour. Each day of Samvaad recorded over 15,000 footfalls with the cultural performances being the greatest crowd-puller.
The 'Akhra' sessions of the conclave resulted in the coming together of over 350 changemakers representing 100 tribal groups from about 20 states and 2 Union Territories. They shared real-life experiences which have shaped their journeys.
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42 stalls set up by 110 artisans showcasing 28 art forms from 37 tribal communities across India was a major attraction of the conclave. Workshops and sessions with experts from the field of handicrafts, and tribal healers elaborating on healing practices and herbal extractions also garnered attention.
As a part of Samvaad 2023, 140 home chefs from 37 tribes across 17 states of India offered curated lunches to visitors. These tribal delicacies were made available for home delivery via the Zomato app. Food experts including Thomas Zacharias, MasterChef Avinash Nayak and Abinash Pattnaik (MasterChef contestant) immersed in the lasting flavours of tribal cuisine at Samvaad 2023.
The fun and celebration didn't end there. On the music front, 'Da Shugs', an Indigenous band from Ladakh and 'Rhythms of the Earth' ensemble representing 11 tribes took the stage for a debut performance. Five original compositions were launched as part of the Rhythms of the Earth ensemble and performed during Samvaad. Each of the songs carried the tribal narrative of unity in the face of adversity and enthralled the audience, the organisers informed. A contingent of musicians from the Hornbill Festival also performed at Samvaad 2023.
Sharing his thoughts on the theme of Samvaad 2023, Tata Steel Foundation's Chief Executive Officer Sourav Roy said, “Our theme for this year, Walk with Me, has been aligned to the journey of Samvaad which brings together thousands of people from across India.
"Throughout the year we engage with the tribes through our initiatives to converge on dialogues that set the tone for Samvaad each year. Many new ideas and innovations emerge from these conversations moderated by experts from respective fields and changemakers from across the country. Celebration of culture also forms an integral part of Samvaad which not only generates livelihood or income for tribal artisans but also allows people to appreciate their unique rituals.”
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Organised by the Tata Steel Foundation, Samvaad is a space for constructive dialogue on the preservation and promotion of tribal culture. In 10 years since its inception, Samvaad has brought together over 40,000 people from nearly 200 tribes.
