In the run-up to its pan-India tribal conclave Samvaad, held in Jamshedpur in November every year, the concluding session of Regional Samvaad took place at Amarkantak.
This was a two-day event held from September 23. Tata Steel had partnered Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) at Amarkantak for the fourth and final regional session for 2017.
As in the previous three regional rounds held across Waynad, Netrang and Guwahati, the theme for the Regional Samvaad: Central India was ‘Aspirations of Tribal Youth and leadership for Future’. The event witnessed a participation from over 150 people across 15 tribal communities who attended discussions on preserving traditional wisdom and knowledge, social challenges in the tribal society, tribal education and livelihoods, gender issues, serving as an ideal platform for the tribal population to present their views and exchange ideas.
Notably, IGNTU besides providing advanced learning to tribal students primarily, also serve a common goal of recognising tribal issues within Central India, and seeking solutions for them.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Prof Alok Shrotriya, Director, Academics & Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, IGNTU, said, “There is much in store for us to learn from a tribal lifestyle. Besides a rich heritage, modern man can take home lessons on relationship, the art of living within available means, agriculture, medicine, and several other disciplines. I welcome Tata Steel’s effort towards providing a platform to these communities, and also helping them find solutions to identified issues.”