By Josmi M J, People and Nature Collectives & Translated by Bijishna T K – Community Well-Being
From 16th to 19th November 2025, five members from Keystone—Josmi, Shyamjith, Sumithra, Amal, and Vasantha—had the opportunity to attend the Samvaad programme at Tata Steel, Jamshedpur, Jharkand. The programme proved to be a deeply transformative experience.
For me, the journey itself became a powerful learning experience. While traveling from Nilambur to Thrissur, I met people from different regions—Tirunelveli, Appapara, Meppadi, Kasaragod, and Thrissur—who were all united by a shared purpose. During the train journey to Jharkhand, strangers quickly became friends through stories, songs, games, laughter, and deep conversations, transforming the trip into a rich cultural exchange. We shared rituals, songs, and traditions from communities such as the Kurichiya, Adiya, Paniya, and Kattunayakan, making the journey a meaningful platform for collective learning.
At the Tata Steel campus, I was amazed to see participants representing over 700 Adivasi communities across India. Though initially hesitant due to language barriers, I embraced the programme’s challenge: “Make ten new friends from different states.” That challenge sparked my true Samvaad experience.
Over the next few days, I connected with participants through a mix of Hindi and English, learning about their lives, heritage, and communities. Some key discussion topics included:
- Worship of nature
- Modern systems vs. traditional systems
- Knowledge, land, and marriage systems
- Social messages for the next generation
- Social changes needed in the coming decade
These conversations were eye-opening, encouraging reflection and a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives.
I also had the privilege of meeting inspiring individuals such as O.K. Prabhakaran, Narayanan, Raghavan, Satheeshan, and Advocate Sumit Lal, learning from their work and contributions to social and community development.
By the end of the programme, we realized that Samvaad is not just an event—it is a life-changing journey. It teaches you to overcome fear, build meaningful connections, and engage courageously with the world. We returned not just with memories, but with new friendships, confidence, and a heart full of connection. In essence, Samvaad 2025 was a celebration of learning, self-discovery, and cross-cultural bonds—reminding me that the greatest gift we can carry forward is the connections we make and the wisdom we share.
Tribal Wisdom and the Sacred Relationship with Nature
One of the most striking lessons from Samvaad was understanding how tribal communities live in harmony with nature. They survive by collecting and consuming the food nature provides. Out of gratitude, they worship nature, believing that humans and nature are equal. This practice preserves relationships, passes knowledge to future generations, and reinforces their deep connection with nature. Contrary to popular belief, this reverence is not born out of fear, but out of respect and understanding.
