President Murmu Hails Bastar’s Development Journey
The President says Bastar is moving from violence to development through people's participation and government efforts
- President meets Bastar Pandum 2026 winners and tribal delegation at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- Says Bastar is embracing education, employment and development over violence.
- Highlights role of tribal culture in promoting tourism and livelihoods.
- Urges focus on women’s empowerment, environmental conservation and social harmony.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 30th July: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said Bastar is moving on the path of development with the combined efforts of the government and the active participation of its people, describing the transformation as a matter of pride for the nation.
The President made the remarks while interacting with a delegation from Bastar Mandal, comprising winners of Bastar Pandum 2026, Pargana Manjhi and Chalaki representatives, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Murmu said Bastar Pandum is not merely a cultural festival but a celebration of Bastar’s rich traditions and identity. She said the event has helped reconnect tribal youth with their customs and heritage while promoting tourism and creating employment opportunities.
The President appreciated the role of Manjhi and Chalaki in preserving social values and cultural traditions, describing them as an important link between local communities and the administration.
Highlighting the region’s progress, Murmu said people in Bastar are coming out of an environment of violence and embracing opportunities in education, employment and development. She noted that roads, electricity and drinking water facilities are reaching remote villages, while schools that had remained closed for years are once again functioning, bringing education back to children.
She said an atmosphere of hope, trust and progress is taking shape across Bastar, adding that the transformation reflects a bright future for the region.
The President also said tribal youth are excelling in education, science, art and sports, and expressed happiness over the successful organisation of the Bastar Olympics in Chhattisgarh.
Urging people to preserve their cultural identity while contributing to nation-building, Murmu called for strengthening harmony and cooperation in society. She also stressed the need to empower women, children, senior citizens and other vulnerable sections, and appealed to citizens to make water conservation, environmental protection and preservation of natural resources an integral part of their lives.
