Dimapur, November 20 (MExN): A 20-member team from the Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF) participated at the 4th edition of ‘Samvaad – a Tribal Conclave’ held at Tatanagar, Jamshedpur from November 15 to 19. The team included 15 Persons with Disabilities and five escorts. A press note received here stated that the theme of this year’s event was ‘Youth Leadership among Tribal Communities’ and it showcased the heritage and culture of tribes from across India and, for the first time, around the world.
The 15 PwD members of NSDF gave a cultural presentation. According to them, they wanted to promote two things through their participation – firstly, the rich Naga cultural heritage which has been passed on from generation to generation. Secondly, their aim was to promote inclusion through their participation - to speak up for inclusion of all people, including people with disabilities, in various kinds of programmes, events, etc.
Over 1500 delegates from India, including 500 tribal youth leaders from 103 tribes from 22 states, and 12 international delegates from Canada, Australia, Zimbabwe and Africa participated in the event.
Renowned folk artistes from the North East, Tetseo Sisters and Guru Rewben Mashangva, also performed at the conclave.
Besides the NSDF team, other delegates from Nagaland included the Nagaland Wrestling Association, 5 youth leaders from Phek district, 2 from Dimapur district and 2 from Jalukie
Well known social worker and trustee Initiatives of Change (IofC) Niketu Iralu also gave a talk to the participating youth leaders.
Seminars, workshops, sessions and interactions were held with the selected 500 tribal youth leaders to discuss issues and development of tribal youth and promotion of tribal people. Other features of the event included exhibition of tribal sports, tribal medicines, tribal handlooms and handicrafts, tribal cuisines, etc.
