On the occasion of the ‘International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples’, observed globally on August 9 every year, Tata Steel along with other Tata Group Companies in Jharkhand (Tata Motors, Tata Power and TINPlATE), organised the finals of Tata Group Community Football Tournament followed by a glittering cultural event showcasing best of traditional dance forms from Jharkhand, Odisha and Assam.
The finals of football tournament at Jaipal Maidan, Karandih, a culmination of action packed 2-month long grassroots level tournament engaging more than 1,500 teams and representing more than 23,000 players in U-14 and Open categories, showcased budding football talents from grassroots level.
Nearly 80% of the participants were from the SC/ST communities. On this occasion, Sunil Bhaskaran, VP, Corporate Services, Tata Steel said, “We are extremely happy to witness such level of participation from the youth. Our aim is to make this tournament one of its kinds in India.Tata Steel, since its inception has been working for the welfare and development of tribals. On a day like this, which is a celebration of Indigenous peoples’ or adivasis around the world, we reaffirm our commitment to celebrate their cultures, traditions and world view.”
To celebrate the spirit of tribal culture and identity, the football finals were followed by a cultural fest— its major attraction being a Tribal Rock Fusion performance by Atript Rock Band and Banam artists. Several dance forms like Bihu, Kherwar, Dhongar, Sambalpuri, Paika etc. were showcased by artists from Jharkhand, Odisha and Assam.
On the occasion, Sanatan Majhi, Tribal leader, Mukhiya (Majhi Pargana), Gopal Prasad Choudhary, Chief, Security, Tata Steel, Sudam Hembram, Dr PC Mohapatra, Biren Bhuta, Chief, CSR, Tata Steel, Dilith Castleton, Head, Empowerment, Urmila Ekka, Hony Secy., Tribal Cultural Society, along with staff and team members of Tata Steel Rural Development Society and Tribal Cultural Society were present.