• Samvaad - A Tribal Conclave' concluded with stimulating panel discussions, documentary screenings and cultural performances
• Chintan' auditorium hosted lively panel discussions on 'Tribals and Protection of Natural Habitat' while 'Manthan' witnessed discussion on 'Tribal Languages'
• Hundreds thronged Bioscope to enjoy documentary films focusing on tribal cultural heritage
• A roundtable discussion on issues concerning tribal women was also held

Tata Steel, since inception, has endeavored for the welfare and growth of tribal communities in and around its areas of operation. In continuation with its commitment towards the indigenous society, Tata Steel today concluded 'Samvaad', a 4-day conclave. The tribal meet was organised by Tata Steel's Tribal Cultural Society, the arm which works extensively for the tribal welfare, preservation and promotion of tribal culture and heritage.

The day was marked by panel discussions at the two auditoriums, Manthan and Chintan, with eminent panelists discussing issues related to 'Tribal Languages' and 'Tribals and Protection of Natural Habitat' respectively. The session on 'Tribals and Protection of Natural Habitat' witnessed a lively discussion moderated by Dr. Felix Padel, with the panelists putting forth their views on the topic. During the discussion, one of the panelist speakers Mr Karma Oraon said 'Adivasis constitute 8% of India's population, yet they are neglected and often victims of development. Adivasis believe in living in harmony with nature'. Mr K C Majhi in his address said, 'Tribals are entwined with nature. Their souls and lives are based on nature. Their religion is nature and in nature are their religious symbols." Mr Jadav Penang while speaking at the panel on Tribals and Protection of Natural Habitat said 'I planted trees along the arid land of the Brahmaputra, starting 1979, following a severe drought. Today, 550 acres of green forest stand in its place with wild animals comprising tigers, elephants, and rhinos among others.

Noted academician Prof Girdhari Ram Gaunjhu, Jharkhand, moderated the panel discussion on 'Tribal Languages'at Manthan. Mr Kanjibhai Patel a panelist from Gujarat, said, '“Every language has some specialty, so all communities must unite for holistic growth of their literature.” Dr Narayanan said, “Tribal people are forced to learn in alien language during primary education. This is the fate of all tribal students in India." Dr Rajkishore Naik, a panelist from Andhra Pradesh said, 'Let us promise on this platform, Tribal Conclave, which is organised by Tata Steel, to speak and write our own language.'

The day also witnessed screening of documentary films underscoring the tribal heritage of the country. Four films - Please Don't Beat Me, Sir; Setu; Veer Binjhwar; Birth 1871 were screened during the day at Bioscope enthralling the audience.

The day ended with a string of cultural performances by the tribals from Manipur, Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland and Jharkhand.

The 4-day conclave included a conglomeration of 2000 plus tribal artists, thought leaders, eminent personalities and activists from more than 40 different tribes, from across 19 states in the country - Andaman & Nicobar, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Tripura. This event featured panel discussions (Tribal livelihoods, Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, Tribal medicinal systems, Tribal perspective on development, Tribal languages and literature, Tribals and protection of natural habitats and a Round table with tribal women), cultural performances from around the country, film screenings, textiles and handicrafts.

About Tata Steel

Established in 1907 as Asia's first integrated private sector steel company, Tata Steel Group is among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of over 28 million tonnes per annum (MnTPA). It is now the world's second-most geographically-diversified steel producer, with operations in 26 countries and a commercial presence in over 50 countries. The Tata Steel Group, with a turnover of US$ 24.81 billion in FY 14, has over 80,000 employees across five continents and is a Fortune 500 company. The Group's vision is to be the world's steel industry benchmark in “Value Creation” and “Corporate Citizenship” through the excellence of its people, its innovative approach and overall conduct. Underpinning this vision is a performance culture committed to aspiration targets, safety and social responsibility, continuous improvement, openness and transparency. In 2008, Tata Steel India became the first integrated steel plant in the world, outside Japan, to be awarded the Deming Application Prize 2008 for excellence in Total Quality Management. In 2012, Tata Steel became the first integrated steel company in the world, outside Japan, to win the Deming Grand Prize 2012 instituted by the Japanese Union of Scientists and Engineers.