Green Hub Fellows and Lepcha Band Sofiyum at Tribal Future Fest
- 10th August 2024 : Tribal Design Forum -

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Lepcha Band Sofiyum at Tribal Future Fest

Green Hub Fellows and Lepcha Band Sofiyum Highlight Cultural and Environmental Initiatives on Day 10 of Tribal Future Fest.

The event commenced with the first session live-streamed at 2:30 PM, moderated by Shweta Guria, where Green Hub Fellows Sahebram Bediya and Sanjeev Marskole presented their film Jan Aur Jungle Jodne ki Pehal (An Initiative to Connect People and Forests). This film highlights the work of the Ekastha Foundation, an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of forests and the people of Jharkhand.

The documentary focuses on a pilot project in Koynardih, a village near Jonha Falls in the Ranchi District, where the foundation is promoting sustainable livelihoods through bamboo craft, mushroom cultivation, and eco-tourism.

During the presentation, Bediya and Marskole elaborated on the initiatives taken to foster a harmonious relationship between the local community and their natural environment. They showcased how these efforts empower villagers by providing them with sustainable income opportunities while also conserving the local ecosystem. The film emphasized the practical implementation of these activities, demonstrating the community's active involvement and the positive impacts on both the people and the forests.

A Q&A session followed the screening, where the audience engaged in discussions about the challenges and successes of the project, the role of sustainable practices in rural development, and the importance of protecting both cultural and natural heritage. The film was produced under the Green Hub Central India (GHCI) fellowship, a project of Dusty Foot Foundation and Mahashakti Seva Kendra (MSK), aimed at empowering youth in environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and livelihood through digital media. The GHCI initiative is supported by the Bharat Rural Livelihood Fund (BRLF).

The second session, moderated by Anugrah Pandi and Akum, featured an interaction with the renowned Lepcha band, Sofiyum. The band showcased their innovative fusion of traditional Lepcha songs with modern music styles, captivating the audience with themes such as fishing, animal freedom, and survival—reflecting the deep bond the Lepcha community shares with nature. Through their music videos and the backstories behind their songs, Sofiyum highlighted the cultural significance of these themes and how they resonate with the daily lives and spiritual beliefs of their people.

The session delved into the band's creative process, where they shared how they reinterpret traditional melodies and narratives, blending them with contemporary sounds to create a unique and evocative musical experience. They also shared some folkstories about Traditional musical instruments. In response to a participant's question about the meaning behind their name, a band member explained that Sofiyum signifies "greenery" or something "refreshing." The interaction explored how the band uses music as a powerful medium to preserve and celebrate their heritage while making it accessible to a broader audience.

These two sessions were part of the Tribal Futures Fest, held on the 10th day of the online festival. The event concluded with a thoughtful discussion on the importance of maintaining cultural identity in a rapidly changing world and the role of music in fostering a deep connection with nature.

Lepcha Band Sofiyum at Tribal Future Fest