– Programme Dedicated to Promoting and Preserving Tribal Culture
Tata Steel Foundation has hosted the Kalinganagar edition of its flagship programme, Samvaad, from October 12 to 14, 2025. This event brought together tribal communities from Kalinganagar, Sukinda, and Bamnipal to share their stories, traditions, and knowledge.
In a press conference organised on Tuesday, Debdoot Mohanty, Chief, Corporate Services, Tata Steel Kalinganagar, alongside Debanjan Mukherjee, Unit Head, Tata Steel Foundation, Kalinganagar Impact Cluster, and Jiren Xavier Topno, Head Tribal Culture and Collieries, briefed the media on the programme’s importance and the activities organised as part of it.
Samvaad, which began in Jamshedpur in 2014, is an initiative that provides a national platform for dialogue and understanding among tribal communities across India. It also aims to help non-tribal communities appreciate tribal culture and perspectives, thereby promoting respect, empathy, and inclusion. To reach more remote communities, regional editions of Samvaad were introduced in 2016. These regional editions are organised in collaboration with NGOs, local community groups, Tribal Leadership Programme alumni, and educational institutions.
The Kalinganagar edition focuses on themes of tribal governance, traditional knowledge systems, community leadership, and self-introspection. It also celebrates indigenous art, music, and rituals, highlighting how these cultural practices help preserve tribal identity and promote sustainable living. Participation was open to tribal youth aged 20 to 35 who are working towards social and cultural development.
As part of the programme, Tata Steel Foundation also conducted a ‘Tribal Cuisine Workshop’ for 30 participants. The workshop was led by Chef Madhusmita Soren and aimed to preserve and promote traditional food practices that are slowly disappearing. Participants learned about local ingredients, healthy cooking methods, and zero-waste practices. During the workshop, participants were guided on how traditional cuisine can create livelihood opportunities through food stalls, catering, or small businesses.
There were also screenings under ‘Samuday ke Saath’, a key part of the Samvaad ecosystem. This initiative uses cinema to share tribal stories, encourage reflection, and challenge stereotypes. Approximately 30 films from the ‘Samuday ke Saath’ collection will be screened across Odisha, including in the Kalinganagar region. These community screenings aim to promote discussions on tribal identity, culture, and development.
Through Regional Samvaad, Tata Steel Foundation continues its vision of providing spaces where tribal communities can express themselves, celebrate their culture, and find new opportunities for growth and learning.
