NOAMUNDI: Culture and traditions in India, churns the wheel of life for the people who reside in its inclusive and diversified ambience. Among various shades of culture and traditions stitched in a beautiful tapestry, are the “HO” and “Santhal” tribes of West Singhbhum district of Jharkhard.
Dwelling in the lap of Saranda forest, these tribes had been thriving in isolation for long. Tata Steel has been striving to preserve and promote the age-old traditions that are the very essence of these tribal communities inhibiting in and around Tata Steel’s operational areas in Jharkhand.
The Ore Mines & Quarries (OMQ) Division of Tata Steel in Jharkhand has taken up a number of initiatives that are aimed to preserve and promote tribal cuisine, tribal music & dance, tribal sports and tribal languages. To celebrate and appreciate the ethnicity of tribal communities, this year, a tribal musical conclave “Sarjom Baa” was organised at Noamundi, where 465 tribal musicians created mesmerizing tribal melodies.
The “HO” language, “Warang Kshiti ” script classes for the tribals is one-of-its kind initiative by Tata Steel in close association with different tribal associations. With constant encouragement and handholding, the new breed of “HO” tribe, now, not only speak their native language but also have mastered the art of reading and writing. More than 1000 students in and arund Noamundi are benefitted every year. Yet another programme called “Panchayat Bandhu” by Tata Steel Skill Development Society and Tata Steel Rural Development Society, empowering rural youth is an initiative to develop individuals who work for the community.
Recollecting memories from “Sekkor”, a tribal sport of Jharkhand and “Sarjom Baa”, Ajay Tiriya, President Adivasi Association, Noamundi fondly says: “Tribes carry their essence where ever they go. They are representatives of their land and culture. With a helping hand from Tata Steel, even the simplest initiates have been impactful. SARJOM BAA is a great example where we not only saw all the tribes come together but also association from the community at large was wonderful. I believe together we can create more beautiful memories in time to come.”
The annual tribal food fest “Prajatiya Khadyodsav” not only promotes tribal food culture but also provide budding chefs from reputed hotels to learn new food recipes. Tata Steel’s “Jaiba Kala Vividhata” promoting tribal art, is aimed at inter-cultural learning and provide a stage to upcoming young regional artists. With these initiatives, Tata Steel aims to create a more inclusive and diversified society by empowering individuals, to build a better tomorrow.
