THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
KALINGANAGAR,
MAY 12, 2026
In a major initiative
to preserve indigenous culture and traditions, Tata Steel Foundation launched
the 10th edition of the ‘Samvaad Fellowship’ at Adivasi Youth Club, Gobarghati
Phase 2. The event was graced by Chief Guest Rajendra Kalundia, who underlined
the critical need to protect and promote local traditions. Among others present
on the occasion were Rasmiranjan Nayak and Debanjan Mukherjee, along with
officials of Tata Steel and TSF.
Nearly 120 community
members participated in the programme, including Tribal Language Teachers,
Samvaad Fellows and alumni, representatives from NINL, and members of the
Kalinganagar Working Committee.
As part of the
initiative, tribal youth aged between 18 and 35 from 24 panchayats across Danagadi,
Bamnipal, and Sukinda regions will come together to exchange ideas and
co-create strategies to ensure their rich cultural heritage continues to thrive
for future generations.
Launched in 2017, the
Samvaad Fellowship supports tribal youth in documenting and preserving tribal
languages, oral traditions, and cultural practices that are increasingly at
risk of disappearing. The fellowship offers financial assistance, mentorship,
and opportunities for community-based research and documentation.
Over the past nine
editions, the Samvaad Fellowship has enabled several impactful initiatives
across India, including the preservation of endangered tribal languages,
documentation of folk songs, dances, indigenous games, medicinal knowledge,
traditional food systems, and the creation of children’s literature rooted in
tribal folklore.
Over the last decade, the fellowship has supported 64 fellows and facilitated the creation of 34 literary works, 32 songs, 11 documentaries, and two community heritage institutions, making a significant contribution to the preservation of India’s diverse tribal heritage.
The Samvaad Fellowship aims to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern life by supporting tribal practitioners, researchers, artists, and cultural leaders. By ensuring that indigenous knowledge systems remain living and relevant, the initiative strengthens a deep-rooted connection with everyday community life.
