Tata Steel in its endeavor to preserve and promote ‘HO’ language, today organized a programme titled ‘Dostur - Ek Parampara’ at Noamundi.

The programme began with welcome song by the students of Camp School at Noamundi followed by ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest Padamshri Dr Tulasi Munda, Social Activist from Indian state of Odisha.

The programme was attended by the local tribes-mankis and mundas and thought leaders including academicians and language experts. Over 250 people including Tata Steel employees participated in the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Tulasi Munda said: “It is important for the members of all tribal groups to know and understand their culture. They must live with it and take initiatives to preserve it and pass on to their next generation. I appreciate Tata Steel`s efforts in conducting this programme and contributing towards preserving ‘HO’ language, culture and heritage.”

Following this, dance on ‘HO’ language song and a song on ‘HO’ language were presented by the Camp School students. The event witnessed participation from other eminent guests including Dr Parmanand Patel, Officer on Special Duty, Government of Odisha (SC/ST Development Department, HO language); Shri Tiril Tiriya, General Secretary, Adivasi HO Samaj; Shri Krishna Bodra, President, Adivasi HO Samaj; Mr Surendra Chattomba, Manki; Mr S D Chottamba, Manager, Track Maintenance, Tata Steel; Shri Ajay Tiriya; Mr Sanjay Virmani; Chief, HRM (OMQ), Tata Steel among others.

Mr Pankaj Satija, GM (OMQ), Tata Steel said: “Tribal languages and literature are the very essence of tribes’ identity and culture. Our engagement with our communities is a journey over 100 years and we have endeavoured to preserve, protect and promote tribal language, music, literature and their overall identity. We should keep our traditions alive and pass it on from one generation to the next to reinforce values. I am happy to see the high level of engagement of those gathered here.”

It may be noted that Tata Steel has been working to create awareness on tribal languages. It has organised several events like workshops, seminars and learning sessions of ‘HO’ language. In Jharkhand, ‘HO’ tribe accounts for a sizeable tribal population. ‘Warang Kshiti’ is the script of the ‘HO’ language. As part of its effort to promote tribal languages, especially among the new generation, the company has been running ‘HO’ language learning centres since 2011. In FY` 16, about 150 learning centers operated in the three districts of Kolhan region—East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan. About 6,000 candidates underwent ‘HO’ language and script training at these centres. In addition, the company constituted a team to offer systematized and step-by-step learning of Warang Kshiti. A team of 190 people, including academicians, language experts and others, were trained on adopting the teaching approaches and methodologies that are in accordance with a three-tier course module for Warang Kshiti. The three-tier course module aims to cater to Warang Kshiti learners at three levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced.  

About Tata Steel

Tata Steel Group stands among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 28 million tonnes per annum (MnTPA) and a turnover of US $17.69 billion in FY16. It is the world's second-most geographically-diversified steel producer, with operations in 26 countries and commercial presence in over 50 countries. Established in 1907, the Group’s vision is to be the world 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. Having bagged the Deming Application Prize and Deming Grand Prize for continuous improvement in 2008 and 2012 respectively, Tata Steel has now been recognised as the global ‘Industry Leader’ in ‘Steel category’ by Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Besides being one of ‘worldsteel’s’ Climate Action members, it has also been awarded the CII ITC Sustainability Prize, the ‘Best-in-class Manufacturing’ by TIME Award, the Prime Minister’s Trophy for the best performing integrated steel plant, among several others.