• Day-3 at 'Samvaad - A Tribal Conclave' witnessed stimulating panel discussions, documentary screenings and cultural performances
• 'Chintan' auditorium hosted lively panel discussions on 'Tribal Perspectives on Development' while 'Manthan' witnessed discussion on 'Tribal Medicinal Systems'
• Hundreds thronged Bioscope to enjoy documentary films focusing on tribal cultural heritage

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 the third day of 'Samvaad', a 4-day conclave. The tribal meet is being 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 Medicinal Systems' and 'Tribal Perspectives on Development' respectively. The discussion on Tribal Perspectives on Development witnessed a lively discussion with the panelists putting forth their views on the topic. The participation in the discussion came from eminent thought leaders and activists representing various regions. The session was moderated by Dr S Parasuraman, Director, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. While discussing on the topic, Dr A K Sen, Ex-Professor, Tata College, Chaibasa said, 'Inclusive development is the key to tribal evolution'. According to Durga Bansingh, a disciple of Guru Kol Lako Bodra, creator of the Ho script, 'Knowing and respecting our own scripts and languages will form the basis of our future development'. Dr Nirmal Minz, Founder Principal, Gossner Theological College in his address said, 'Tribals have a need based economy, not greed based one as in the case with the rest of the world. Building on this foundation, will be the crux of our development.'

During the panel discussion on 'Tribal Medicinal Systems' at Manthan, Mr Pius Munda, Odisha (Practitioner of traditional tribal medicinal system) said, 'Tribal Medicines for centuries have saved innumerable human lives. However this system of medicine awaits much deserved recognition by the modern society'. Views on various Tribal medical practices poured in from panelists from various parts of the country. Tsering Topgyal (Ex-ITBP Medic) from Arunachal Pradesh, speaking at the panel discussion on Tribal Medicinal Systems, said, 'Tribal medicines are pure and effective solution to cure diseases'. P P Hembrom, a Practitioner of traditional tribal medicinal system from Jharkhand, said, 'Tribal medicinal systems have sustained human lives long before the evolution of modern medicine'.

The day also witnessed screening of documentary films underscoring the tribal heritage of the country. Three films - Ulgulan – Ek Kranti, Songs of The Blue Hills, Pangi ke Pangwal were screened during the day at Bioscope enthralling the audience.

The day ended with a string of cultural programs being showcased by the tribals from various parts of the country.

The 4-day conclave include 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 will feature 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.