IIM Ranchi Hosts Much-Awaited Samuday Ke Saath Indigenous Film Festival in Partnership with Samvaad; Check Details Here

New Delhi: The Indigenous Film Festival, "Samuday Ke Saath," organized by Tribal Conclave and Tata Steel Foundation, took place at the Indian Institute of Management, IIM Ranchi. IIM Ranchi inaugurated and conducted the Samuday Ke Saath Indigenous Film Festival at the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium, located within the campus.

This collaborative effort between the Indian Institute of Management, IIM Ranchi, and Samvaad, in partnership with Tata Steel Foundation, seeks to delve into the essence of Tribal Jharkhand by showcasing the finest in tribal cinema. The festival serves as a platform to highlight the cultural essence, wisdom, and diverse viewpoints surrounding the developmental aspects of Indian tribal communities. 

Through the medium of exceptional films, the Samuday Ke Saath Indigenous Film Festival is set to shed light on the various dimensions of the Tribals of Jharkhand, commemorating their uniqueness and resilience. The event was scheduled for August 26 and 27 and featured film screenings, discussions, and storytelling sessions. The first day revolved around the theme "Cinema and Adivasiyat," while the second day concentrated on "Tribal Heritage and Cultural Resilience." 

The festival's main aim is to cultivate meaningful conversations and commemorate the abundant cultural heritage and unwavering strength of tribal groups. 

The proceedings commenced with a heartfelt tribal prayer, succeeded by a speech from Prof Deepak Kumar Srivastava, the Director of IIM Ranchi Faculty. He explained how cinema enriches human thought processes and fosters connections within society, uniting us despite our differences. 

Furthermore, he pointed to some of IIM Ranchi's initiatives, such as Human Connect, and the integration of tribal languages and studies in the new IPM curriculum. Following this, Ankita and Suraj from the Tribal Identity department of Tata Steel Foundation delivered speeches elucidating the significance of "Samuday Ke Saath" and "Samvaad."

They highlighted the significance of embracing one's identity and adivasiyat, underlining the communal collaboration as the cornerstone for societal growth and achieving greater accomplishments.

Prof Gaurav Marathe wrapped up the inauguration by offering insights into how this endeavor would enrich the understanding of IIM Ranchi's students regarding their institution's ecosystem. 

He also previewed the upcoming second and third phases of this initiative, which encompass a forthcoming film-making workshop and a short film workshop, to be announced shortly.

The spotlight of the day was on three films: "Nacchi se Baachi," "Sristhikatha," and "Gadi Lohardaga Mail" by Biju Toppo and Meghnath from Akhra Communication. 

The Samuday Ke Saath Indigenous Film Festival also utilized cinematic mediums to shed light on the intricate dimensions of Jharkhand's indigenous communities and paid homage to their distinctiveness and unwavering strength. 

In the documentary "Nacchi se Baachi" (2017), the focus is on the life of Padma Shri Ram Dayal Singh Munda. The film opens with the resounding Sarhul chant in Munda's own voice and traces his journey from the quaint village of Diuri near Ranchi to pursuing a PhD in the United States and eventually teaching at the University of Minnesota.

Upon his return, his first priority was to contribute to the establishment of Jharkhand statehood through cultural revitalization. After this, he took on roles as the director for tribal and regional languages at Ranchi University, eventually rising to the esteemed position of vice-chancellor. Their presence fostered dialogues not only about the art of filmmaking but also about the challenges confronted by these indigenous communities. The Indigenous Film Festival, Samuday Ke Saath, serves as a platform that goes beyond just presenting films and filmmakers. It acts as a catalyst for sharing a multitude of viewpoints, insights, and artistic manifestations. Moreover, the festival will be animated by captivating Indigenous cultural performances that vividly portray the profound heritage of tribal history. 

The film's significance is not confined solely to its subject matter; it also holds value from a cinematic perspective. Throughout Munda's journey, the audience is naturally immersed in his experiences.

"Akhra Communication's Mundari Sristikatha", is a concise animated film that draws inspiration from the folklore of the Munda tribe. The narrative revolves around 'Singhbonga,' the paramount deity of the Munda community, and explores the creation of the earth, day, and night. 

"Gadi Lohardaga Mail" is a documentary that captures the recollections of a historic narrow-gauge passenger train that operated until 2004. Originating in 1907, this train became an essential lifeline for Ranchi and affectionately earned the moniker "Mail." 

Alongside tribal leader Ram Dayal Munda and folk artists such as Mukund Naik and Madu Mansuri, filmmakers Meghnath and Biju captured its poignant final journey. The film takes viewers on an emotive voyage as passengers fondly recollect the train and its treasured moments.

Meghnath, a Director, Producer, and Social Activist, has dedicated four decades to Jharkhand. He has stood alongside communities in their resistance against detrimental development. In his role as a filmmaker, he has documented the voices of marginalized groups who often go unheard. His contributions were honored with the esteemed 59th and 65th National Film Awards.

Biju Toppo, hailing from Ranchi, Jharkhand, is an anthropologist, Director, Producer, Video Editor, and Cinematographer. His accolades include a national award for his work as a tribal filmmaker. Biju uses the medium of film as a powerful tool for social activism, particularly in advocating for the rights of marginalized indigenous communities. 

In addition, he imparts his expertise in video production to students at St. Xavier's College, Ranchi, India. 
 

Read More:

• IIM Ranchi Launches Print Edition of IIM Ranchi Journal of Management Studies; Check Details Here

• IIM Ranchi Commences IPM Program 3rd Batch Successfully: Check Details Here

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