Jamshedpur, Nov. 14: How about watching a hunting song-and-dance performance by Gujarat's Siddi tribe, talking about their migration from Africa some 400 years ago? Or, how about a warrior dance by the Ao and Sumi tribes of Nagaland?

Samvaad, a pan-India tribal conclave, will showcase all this and more from tomorrow till November 22 at Gopal Maidan here to celebrate the country's indigenous communities and their many hues.

Around 1,500 delegates and 40 tribes representing 19 states will be part of the eight-day extravaganza to commemorate the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, Jharkhand's iconic freedom fighter.

A tribal fashion show to showcase traditional attires is the unique offering this time.

A photo gallery, offering insights into indigenous cultures, handicrafts exhibition and tribal delicacies will be some of the other attractions of the conclave, organised by Tata Steel's Tribal Culture Society for the second time in Jamshedpur.

Tata Steel and South East Asia managing director T.V. Narendran and group executive director (finance and corporate) Koushik Chatterjee will jointly inaugurate the conclave at 5 pm tomorrow.

"We are committed towards the welfare of the local and indigenous community, in line with the philosophy of Tata Steel," said Narendran.

"For Tata Steel, it's a moment of great pride to host the second edition of Samvaad. This year, our focus lies in strengthening the zeal required to preserve and promote tribal languages," said Sunil Bhaskaran, Tata Steel vice-president (corporate services).

Addressing a press meet at Tribal Cultural Society in Sonari today, Biren Bhuta, chief of Tata Steel corporate sustainability services, said 60 stalls would showcase extinct items as well as Adivasi handicrafts and textiles.

This year's panel discussion will on "Has India failed its tribal communities?"

The panelists are Padma Shri Ganesh Devy, founder-director of Bhasha Research and Publication Centre, Vadodara, R Balasubramanium, founder of Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement and Padma Shri Tulsi Munda, noted social activist and founder of Adivasi Vikas Samiti, Odisha, among others.

"Invitations have been sent to 40 universities across the country for submitting research papers on tribals. Twenty five research papers have already been submitted so far," Bhuta added.