~The fifth edition of the flagship programme that celebrates tribalism will see participants from 25 states in India and 11 countries ~
~Follows six regional events that touched 720 participants~

The fifth edition of Tata Steel’s Samvaad, the annual outreach programme that celebrates tribalism across India and around the world will bring together over 1700 tribes from 25 states in India and 11 countries in Jamshedpur between November 15-19, 2018 at Gopal Maidan, Jamshedpur. 

Samvaad, a unique and powerful platform created by Tata Steel’s Corporate Social Responsibility, is an annual outreach to initiate dialogue on tribalism in India to bring community leaders and members from tribal communities under one roof to share their ideas, thoughts and perspectives on developmental challenges in India and beyond. The theme for this year’s conclave is ‘Coming Together for Social Change’.

During the five-day event, around 230 participants from various tribal communities would showcase their handicrafts, would put stalls on traditional healing techniques and prepare recipes unique to their tribe. Moreover, 33 international guests are likely to visit the mega event while over 400 participants would be part of various traditional cultural troupes who would be showcasing their cultural heritage at Gopal Maidan each evening, across five days.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Sourav Roy, Chief, CSR, Tata Steel, said: “In its fifth year, Samvaad is poised to celebrate tribal culture and explore an alternative perspective on development. While the mornings are reserved to understand some incredible stories of collective action, the evenings would be a one-of-its-kind celebration of tribal music, art, craft, cuisines and healing practices. The continued confidence placed in us by tribal communities remains a source of inspiration, and I hope all of Jamshedpur will join us in welcoming them.”

Ahead of the main event that will held in Jamshedpur, regional editions of Samvaad were held earlier this year in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Nagaland, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand wherein 720 members of India’s tribal communities spread over 19 states in India, participated.

Samvaad 2018 will commence on November 15 with a traditional welcome to the beats of 101 nagadas or drums. The visitors at Gopal Maidan would witness unparalleled showcase of tribal art and craft, can meet with some of the outstanding practitioners of tribal medicinal forms, can fulfill their taste buds with best cuisine from the tribal world besides experiencing a rich musical and cultural heritage of tribal India.

About Samvaad
‘Samvaad’ is a platform for the tribes to exchange ideas, thoughts and share their concerns It was instituted by Tata Steel as a tribal conclave in 2014, where more than 1500 tribal representatives from across the country showcased their cultural heritage and the novel experience of tribal life.

Samvaad encourages tribal communities to take the lead in initiating discourse on issues that govern their social sustenance and development. Samvaad is now fast growing as an eco-system where tribal thoughts and voices manifest in various forms – be it a discourse, a work of research, music, food and cuisine collaboration or even documentaries. The concept of regional Samvaad was initiated in 2016 with the objective of reaching out to more tribal communities in the hinterland and factor unheard voices therein. Since its inception, Samvaad has witnessed a flurry of discussions and activities under identified themes including Preservation, Protection and Promotion of Tribal languages (2015), Tribal Health Systems (2016) and 'Aspirations of Tribal Youth & Leadership for Future' (2017).

About Tata Steel                  
Tata Steel Group is among the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 27.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) as on March 31, 2018. It is one of the world's most geographically-diversified steel producers, with operations in 26 countries and a commercial presence in over 50 countries. The Group recorded a consolidated turnover of US $20.41 billion (INR 133,016 crore) in FY18. Tata Steel Group is spread across five continents with an employee base of over 65,000. Tata Steel retained Industry Leader position in FY18 and ranked second overall in the DJSI assessment, 2017. The Company has been recognised as the Climate Disclosure Leader in ‘Steel category’ by CDP (2017). Besides being a member of the World Steel Climate Action Programme, Tata Steel was felicitated with several awards including the Prime Minister’s Trophy for the best performing integrated steel plant for 2014-15 and 2015-16, Best Risk Management by CNBC TV18 (2018) and ‘Corporate Strategy Award’ by Mint (2018). The Company also received the ‘Most Ethical Company’ award from Ethisphere Institute for the sixth time (2018), Steel Sustainability Champions (2017) by the World Steel Association, Dun & Bradstreet Corporate Awards (2017 & 2018), Golden Peacock HR Excellence Award by Institute of Directors (2017) as well as 'Asia's Best Integrated Report' award by the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards (2017), among several others.

Disclaimer
Statements in this press release describing the Company’s performance may be “forward looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. Actual results may differ materially from those directly or indirectly expressed, inferred or implied. Important factors that could make a difference to the Company’s operations include, among others, economic conditions affecting demand/ supply and price conditions in the domestic and overseas markets in which the Company operates, changes in or due to the environment, Government regulations, laws, statutes, judicial pronouncements and/ or other incidental factors.