Ranchi, Jharkhand | October | 6, 2013 :: A screening of films on the life of tribal was hosted today in the premises of Central University of Jharkhand by the Department of Mass Communication, CUJ in collaboration with Samvaad: Samudaay Ke Saath, TATA Steel Foundation. On the occasion, three films dedicated to the life of tribal, including “Strength in Diversity” by Chentei Khiamniungan; “Voices of Teesta” by Minket Lepcha; and “Karam” by Akhra Communication, Ranchi were screened among the presence of faculties, scholars and students.
The event initiated with the formal welcome of the guests by Prof. Dev Vrat Singh, Former HOD & Dean, Department of Mass Communication, CUJ. Reflecting on significance of the films, Dr.Singh said,” storytelling is central to human civilization and we as a mass communication professionals have an onus to take this traditional further with films, novels, books, etc.”
It was followed by the address of the officials of TATA Steel Foundation, Kumar Gaurav, Suraj Gilua and Nitish Kumar, who shed light on the inception and journey of Samvaad: A Tribal Conclave.
Post formal addressal, the films “Strength in Diversity: Stress-Resistant Crops of Nagaland” by Chentei Khiamniungan; “Voices of Teesta” by Minket Lepcha; and “Karam” by Akira Communication, was screened for the participants. It was followed by the interaction session between the participants and the filmmakers i.e., Chentei Khiamniungan and Tosangla Chang.
The event was concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr. Amrit Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communication.
The program was convened by Dr. Sudarshan Yadav, Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communication and Dr. Amrit Kumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communication that was also marked the presence of other members of the Department of Mass Communication, CUJ, Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Assistant Professor; Ms. Rashmi Verma and Ram Niwas Suthar, Technical Assistant.
“Strength in Diversity: Stress-Resistant Crops of Nagaland” is based on the traditional agricultural practices and cultivation of organic foods of Khiamniungan, of Nagaland. It also portrays the passing of traditional knowledge from grandparents to the next generation. “Voices of Teesta” by Minket Lepcha tries to understand the relationship between various groups and communities in Sikkim, West Bengal, and the River Teesta. This film tries to trace the faint and unheard voices of local people who are affected by these developments. “Karam” by Akhra Communication, is a documentary about the Karam (colloquially Karma), a harvest festival celebrated in the Indian states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bihar.
Samuday ke Saath was initiated in the year 2015 with the passionate intent to understand, harness and disseminate the power of cinema as a medium to highlight cultural identity, wisdom and foster an alternative perspective on development surrounding tribal communities in India.
