Raipur
President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday said that decisive action by the Government of India against Maoist terror has ended the atmosphere of fear, insecurity, and distrust that prevailed in the Bastar region for four decades.
Inaugurating the three-day divisional-level ‘Bastar Pandum’ festival at the Lalbagh Ground, Jagdalpur, the President noted that those associated with Maoism are now renouncing violence and returning to the mainstream. She appealed to them to maintain full faith in the Constitution and democracy to ensure a bright future for Chhattisgarh and the nation.
Focus on development and tribal welfare
The President highlighted the impact of various welfare initiatives in the region. She stated that the Niyad Nellanar scheme of the state government is playing a significant role in empowering villagers. Villages are now seeing a “new dawn of development” with the provision of electricity, roads, water, and the reopening of schools that had been closed for years.
“It is the strength of democracy that a daughter from a small village in Odisha is addressing you as the President of India,” she said, urging the youth to move forward with hard work and dedication.
Cultural heritage and tourism
Describing the Bastar Pandum as a significant effort to showcase tribal culture, the President praised the Chhattisgarh government for its initiatives. Key highlights from her address include:
- Bastar Pandum 2026: Over 50,000 people participating in displays of tribal lifestyle, dances, and traditions.
- Tourism potential: Bastar can emerge as a major tourism hub due to its natural beauty, waterfalls, and caves.
- Homestay initiatives: Steps being taken to promote homestays, a popular global tourism trend.
Recognition for selfless service
The President mentioned the 2026 Padma Shri awardees from the region, including social worker Dr Budhri Tati and the doctor couple Dr Ramachandra Godbole and Sunita Godbole. They are being honoured for their selfless service in healthcare, women’s empowerment, and tribal upliftment in remote areas like Abujhmad.
She also stressed the importance of education, citing the Eklavya Model Residential Schools as a foundation for community development. Schemes such as PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan continue to prioritise the welfare of the most backward tribal groups.
Closing her address with the spirit of ‘Jai Jai Chhattisgarh Mahtari’, the President urged residents to embrace modern development while preserving their rich cultural heritage, including the world-famous Bastar Dussehra dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari.
