To reduce the widening gap between tribal community and city dwellers, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti (GSDS) is hosting a three day event at Gandhi Darshan in Raj Ghat here beginning Wednesday. “Adivasi Sanskriti Sangam” will basically highlight tribal culture and discuss issues affecting the lives of tribal folks. More than 1,000 tribe members from Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra will engage in discussing issues affecting their lives. They will also perform cultural activities in their traditional dresses. The participants will be accompanied by tribal organisations, intellectuals, social workers and writers working for their cause. According to GSDS director Manimala, the second edition of the event will encourage city dwellers, particularly policy makers, to understand the problems plaguing the tribal communities. “The discussions will help them to look at the tribal folks with more compassion, tolerance and sensitivity. They are being exploited and we need to sort out their problems.” Pointing out that the event will emphasise Gandhiji’s efforts in promoting the Adivasi culture, Dr. Manimala said that “Adivasi Sanskriti Sangam” will point out the fact that simplicity, which characterised Bapu’s life, was similar to Adivasi’s lifestyle. Noting that values of interdependence, harmony, humility, openness and collective life were integral to tribal life, Dr. Manimala said the entire society must embrace them without any ill-feelings towards them. “We do not need to look down upon them. Whatever positive values and practices are in the tribal society should not be limited to a few communities alone. We need to preserve, protect and mainstream these values and practices.”