Adivasi Lives Matter (ALM) conducted the “Adivasi Awaaz” digital storytelling training from 21st to 23rd November. The 3-day program happened at Press Club, Agartala.
The program aimed to enable Adivasi youth with skills in photography, videography, article writing, social media management, and content design. Facilitators Ashish Birulee and Nitesh Mahto from Jharkhand led sessions on digital content creation, focusing on preserving Adivasi identity, language, and culture.
Alumni of ALM’s previous programs, including Kamal Jamatia, Prakash Debbarma, Uday Debbarma, and Elija Jamatia, lent their expertise to the training sessions. Their involvement provided the participants with relatable examples of success stories within their community. Kamal Jamatia shared his experience of using social media to highlight Adivasi art forms, inspiring attendees to explore innovative ways to promote their heritage. Similarly, Uday Debbarma spoke about his journey in content design and the role it played in building awareness about Adivasi culture.
Around 20 tribal youth participated in this training. This program has let to many benefits awaking others to take a step towards the goal. Ashish Birulee, a filmmaker and storyteller, explained the role of visual content in creating impactful stories. He encouraged participants to use photography and videography not only to document their traditions but also to highlight pressing issues in their communities. Nitesh Mahto shared insights into crafting engaging written content, demonstrating how well-written articles can amplify Adivasi voices in the digital space. Both facilitators stressed the value of authenticity in storytelling, urging participants to remain true to their roots while reaching a broader audience.
The participants showed immense enthusiasm throughout the program, actively engaging in hands-on activities and discussions. They practiced capturing powerful images, creating compelling videos, and writing impactful articles. The training also introduced them to the fundamentals of social media management, equipping them to reach wider audiences effectively. Each session aimed to build confidence and spark creativity, fostering a new generation of storytellers who can represent their communities with pride and authenticity.
The program successfully equipped trainees with practical skills and knowledge while fostering cultural exchange and a deeper understanding of the power of digital media for Adivasi advocacy.
Adivasi Lives Matter is an initiative started in 2016 by Ashish Birulee, Ankush Vengurlekar, and Isha Chitnis. The vision of ALM is to celebrate the Adivasi/Tribal identity and culture. So far, ALM has trained more than 400 creators from different parts of India, who have generated more than 1,200 articles and 3,000 videos.
Tripura has already conducted “Adivasi Awaaz Training” six times.