Dhamtari: Youth's dreams will find a new foundation . Dhamtari district has received a significant gift, marking a significant milestone in elevating the district's educational, intellectual, and knowledge-based development. Approval has been granted to expand the city's prestigious Nalanda Campus (Central Library and Reading Zone) from 250 seats to 500 seats. This state-of-the-art, multi-story Nalanda Campus will be constructed at a cost of approximately ₹11.22 crore (112.2 million rupees), providing high-quality learning facilities to students, youth preparing for competitive exams, and studious citizens.
Previously, a 250-seat Nalanda Campus was approved in Hatkeshwar Ward. As a result of the district administration's continued efforts, proactive initiatives, and constant dialogue, Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai has expanded the project to a 500-seat facility. This expansion will not only significantly increase learning capacity but will also strengthen the modern library culture in the district.

Once constructed, the Nalanda campus will develop into an attractive, grand, and fully equipped academic building. The campus will provide a peaceful and well-organized study environment, digital resources, an e-library, Wi-Fi access, adequate lighting, air-conditioned study rooms, elevator facilities, and modern security systems. This campus will prove to be an ideal study center for students and youth preparing for national and state-level competitive examinations.

Collector Mr. Abinash Mishra described the 500-seater Nalanda campus as a historic step toward strengthening the educational environment of Dhamtari district. He said that the campus will provide students and youth with a peaceful, modern, and well-resourced study space. The district administration will ensure all necessary procedures for quality, transparency, and timely completion of the construction work.

Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, Mayor Ramu Rohra said that since the formation of the government, good governance has been established in the state, and development work has gained new momentum. This is a clear example of the Chief Minister's sensitivity and vision for Dhamtari. He expressed confidence that with the support of the state government, Dhamtari will continue its progress and achieve new milestones in the fields of education and infrastructure.
The proposed Nalanda campus will be constructed on 0.60 hectares of land. This includes the construction of a multi-story library building with a ground floor, first floor, second floor, and tower floor, ACP and wall cladding work, a 13-passenger lift, and a 70-unit air-conditioning system. Additionally, the campus will include CC road construction, paver block work, boundary walls, a guard room, a grand entrance, landscaping, external sanitation and water supply work, borewells, RCC drains, septic tanks, LED lighting, solar panels, transformers, and CCTV. Cameras and a modern firefighting system will be provided. Non-SOR items include modern furniture, a rich book collection, and a tensile roof.

Raipur : Industry Minister Shri Lakhanlal Dewangan and Mayor Smt. Sanjudevi Rajput performed the ground breaking ceremony for works worth Rs. 87.25 lakh related to drinking water supply.

The water shortage that has been prevailing for years in Bengali Chaal, located under the TP Nagar zone of Korba, is now going to be resolved, while on the other hand, the drinking water system will be strengthened in Ward No. 15 and Ward No. 09. In a program organized today at Tagore Udyan in TP Nagar, the state's Industry, Labor, Excise and Public Enterprises Minister Shri Lakhanlal Devangan and Mayor Smt. Sanjudevi Rajput performed the ground breaking ceremony of works worth Rs. 87.25 lakh related to drinking water system and instructed the officials to start the work soon and complete it quickly, so that the residents of the ward can get the benefit of these works in this summer season. On this occasion, Chairman Shri Nutan Singh Thakur, Councilor Narendra Devangan, ward councilors and public representatives were specially present.

Raipur : Skill Development, Technical Education and Employment, Scheduled Caste Development Department Minister Guru Khuswant Saheb visited Sarangarh on Sunday, where the Cabinet Minister attended the state-level Satnami Samaj youth-girl introduction conference. In his address, Guru Khuswant Saheb mentioned the Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas works being continuously carried out for the Satnami Samaj by the Chhattisgarh government under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, and the amount approved for organizing the fair of Guru Ghasidas Baba in the state.

Minister Guru Khuswant Saheb said that we need to proudly adopt the tradition of simple marriage as per the message of simple life, high thinking, culture and values ​​given by Baba Guru Ghasidas Ji. The Cabinet Minister said that the way we are moving towards show-off today, there is a lot of expenditure in show-off marriages. We all face a lot of trouble when it comes to finding a boy or a girl. Today people see marriage as a matter of honor and respect and marry as per their wish even if they have to take a loan. Guru Ghasidas has shown us the path of simple marriage long ago, rising a little from show-off. There is no expense of any kind in this. Establish a feeling of love for each other in the society.

The state government has approved funds for organizing the fair of Guru Ghasidas Baba.

The minister said that whether it's Girodpuri, Bhandapuri, or Lalpur Dham, crores of rupees have been sanctioned for each place. There's no shortage of any kind; only the religious sites are being developed and promoted. Baba Guru Ghasidas's birth anniversary is celebrated annually in Sarangarh. Former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Dr. Raman Singh, approved funds for this, which continues to this day. In just two years, the Chief Minister has consistently supported us. The state government has also arranged for free coaching for SDM and Deputy Collector positions through the CGPSC. Pilot projects have also been launched. In our Chhattisgarh government, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai is working for the progress and development of the entire society with the motto of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas".

On this occasion, District Panchayat President Sanjay Bhushan Pandey, Member Lata Laxme, MP Representative Santosh Sonwani, Former MLA Sanam Jangde, Kerabai Manhar, Nirmal Sinha, Jyoti Patel, Subhash Jalan, Ajay Gopal, Vedram Jangde, Harinath Khunte, Shiv Kumari Chauhan, BD Bhardwaj, Organizer Ajay Kosle along with a large number of young men and women, parents, members of Satnami Vikas Parishad and journalists were present.

Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation chaired a security review meeting on Left Wing Extremism in Raipur, Chhattisgarh today.

 Chhattisgarh, once a hotbed of Naxalite violence, has become synonymous with development under the double engine government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

 The security-centric strategy of the Central and Chhattisgarh governments, infrastructure, attack on Naxal financial network and surrender policy have yielded positive results. 

Chhattisgarh's youth are promoting sports, forensics and technical education while also preserving their culture and traditions.

 The country is about to be rid of Naxalism, which has pushed generations into the darkness of poverty and illiteracy.

 Chhattisgarh has made remarkable progress on the security and development fronts. 

 Raipur - Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah today chaired a security review meeting on Left Wing Extremism in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh. The Home Minister also held a review meeting on various development projects in Chhattisgarh. Present at the meeting were Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Union Home Secretary, Director General of Intelligence Bureau, Special Secretary (Internal Security) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh, Director Generals of Central Reserve Police Force, National Investigation Agency, Border Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and Home Secretaries and Director Generals of Police of Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra. Addressing the meeting, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah stated that the Central and Chhattisgarh governments' security-focused strategy, infrastructure, crackdown on Naxalite financial networks, and surrender policy have yielded positive results. He expressed confidence that Naxalism will be completely eradicated before March 31st. Home Minister Shri Amit Shah stated that Chhattisgarh was once a stronghold of Naxalite violence, but under the double-engine government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, it has now become synonymous with development. He said that the youth of Chhattisgarh are promoting sports, forensics, and technical education while also preserving their culture and traditions. Shri Amit Shah said that the double-engine government is leaving no stone unturned to completely eliminate the problem of Maoism from the country. He said that under the Modi government, Naxalism is on the verge of extinction and the country will be completely Naxal-free before March 31, 2026. The Home Minister said that the country will soon be free from Naxalism, which has pushed generations into the darkness of poverty and illiteracy. Shri Shah said that the ongoing fight against Maoists should not be fragmented. Emphasizing the need for smooth coordination between various state and central agencies, he said that remaining Maoists should not be allowed to escape to other states. The Union Home Minister said that Chhattisgarh has made remarkable progress on both security and development fronts. He said that it must be ensured that people in Naxal-affected areas have equal opportunities for development.

Bastar Pandum is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of tribal art and culture. 

 Raipur – The closing ceremony of the three-day Bastar Pandum, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Bastar's tribal art and culture, is set to be a historic and grand event on February 9th. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah will be the special guest at the event. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai will preside over the ceremony. Celebrated with the motto of "Celebration of Nature and Tradition," this event is a powerful medium to showcase the fragrance of Bastar's soil and its rich tribal culture to the world. This prestigious closing ceremony is scheduled for February 9th at 11 a.m. at Lalbag Ground, Jagdalpur. Union Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu, Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Dr. Raman Singh, and Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Arun Saw and Shri Vijay Sharma will also participate. Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, and Finance Minister Shri O.P. Chaudhary, Revenue Minister Shri Tankaram Verma, Food Minister Shri Dayaldas Baghel, Industry Minister Shri Lakhanlal Dewangan, School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav, Skill Development Minister Shri Guru Khuswant Saheb, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade will participate. In Bastar Pandum, MPs Shri Mahesh Kashyap and Shri Bhojraj Nag, MLA Shri Kiran Singhdev, Ms. Lata Usendi, Shri Vinayak Goyal, Shri Neelkanth Tekam, Shri Vikram Usendi, Shri Asharam Netam, Shri Chaitram Atami, Smt. Savitri Manoj Mandavi, Shri Lakheshwar Baghel, Shri Vikram Mandavi, Mayor Shri Sanjay Pandey and other public representatives will be present with their dignified presence.

Central government is committed to the all-round development of Chhattisgarh.  

Raipur - Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, Mr. Manohar Lal, described the Union Budget as a vehicle for innovation and inclusive development, saying it is a powerful document that realizes the long-term vision of a developed India by 2047. He was addressing a press conference during his day-long visit to the capital, Raipur. Union Minister Mr. Lal stated that this budget sets a clear direction for the country's economic, social, and infrastructure development for the next 25 years. He stated that this budget has been prepared for the first time in Kartavya Bhavan, which symbolizes a positive change in governance. The budget also incorporates the report of the 16th Finance Commission, which will give new impetus to the state's development in the coming years. Mr. Manohar Lal expressed confidence that effective implementation of budget provisions will lead to significant progress in the power, housing, urban development, and infrastructure sectors. He stated that the Central Government is fully sensitive and committed to the all-round development of Chhattisgarh. Present at the press conference were Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Mr. Tokhan Sahu, and State Finance Minister, Mr. O.P. Chaudhary, MP Shri Santosh Pandey and Shri Brijmohan Agarwal along with other public representatives were present. 

The first review meeting on anti-Naxal operations began today in Raipur, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma, along with the Home Department Secretary, Director General of Police (DGPs) and DGPs of Naxal-affected states, Home Secretaries, and senior officials are present. The meeting will continue until 12:45 p.m. and will discuss the security situation, intelligence inputs, the pace of the operation, and the action plan to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026. A second meeting will be held at 2 p.m., followed by a lunch break, and the meeting will continue from 3 to 4:15 p.m. A national conclave themed "Chhattisgarh @ 25: Shifting the Lens" will be held from 5 to 6:10 p.m. Home Minister Vijay Sharma stated that the meeting has two main agendas: first, to completely free the country from armed Naxalism by March 31, 2026, and second, to restart the stalled development of Bastar. He also reacted to the controversial statement made by Bhupesh Baghel in Punjab and said that before saying such things, one should ask Rahul Gandhi.

A tragic accident occurred on Saturday on the Arang-Kharora main road, in which a speeding truck loaded with paddy hit three people riding a bike. Two members of the same family were killed in the incident. The deceased have been identified as Nandkishore Lodhi and Kuntibai Lodhi, while their mother, Rajkumari Lodhi, was seriously injured. According to reports, Kuntibai Lodhi, the deceased, had come to Arang with her husband, Mangalu Lodhi, and relatives to attend a wedding ceremony. After the ceremony, she and Nandkishore Lodhi were returning to their village on a bike when a truck loaded with paddy struck the bike from the front. The impact was so severe that the bike was shattered. The truck driver, who was drunk, tried to flee after the incident, but police surrounded and apprehended him near the Navapara-Rajim road. Police have seized the truck, registered a case against the accused, and initiated an investigation.

Raipur. Union Housing and Urban Development Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, while sharing information on the Union Budget and the government's 11 years of progress, informed reporters that seven new rail corridors will be developed across the country in the railway sector. Of the total outlay of ₹54 lakh crore, Chhattisgarh will benefit by ₹50,427 crore. The state government has been allocated ₹9,704 crore, while ₹7,770 crore has been allocated for railway development. Broad gauge expansion, construction of new railway stations in several districts, including Raipur and Durg, and road expansion worth ₹34,000 crore have been announced in Chhattisgarh. Along with the development of the Raipur and Jagdalpur regions, Raipur Airport has been developed as an agricultural cargo port, directly benefiting farmers. In the health sector, 100,000 health workers and 1.500,000 caregivers will be trained in Chhattisgarh. Additionally, five medical hubs will be established. Five university hubs will be developed across the country in the field of education. To promote sports, special emphasis will be placed on sports science education under the Khelo India Mission, and 10,000 guides will be trained.
He stated that this budget has been prepared keeping in mind the financial vision for the country for the next 25 years. He explained that the budget focuses on three key objectives: first, strengthening the country's economic situation, second, comprehensively promoting infrastructure, and third, empowering poor families and medium-sized industries. In Chhattisgarh, fish farming is being promoted under the Amrit Sarovar for agriculture.
The Minister stated that special incentives will be given to semiconductor manufacturing in the country. Additionally, the goal is to develop the manufacturing of large industrial equipment and machinery within the country. Under the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Yojana, special provisions have been made in the budget to provide markets for locally manufactured products.
He stated that the budget also focuses on equity and investment expertise. A total of ₹1.85 lakh crore has been allocated to the states, which is approximately 30 percent more than last year. A risk policy has been implemented in the infrastructure sector to protect businesses from losses due to natural disasters or accidents.
Special attention has been paid to improving the coal transportation system and coastal cargo transportation. A ₹20,000 crore investment has been proposed over the next five years for carbon capture storage, which will help control urban pollution and carbon emissions.

Raipur. The Chhattisgarh Government's Sports and Youth Welfare Department has invited applications from athletes for scholarships for the year 2025-26 under the Chhattisgarh Sports Promotion Scheme, a talent search program. These scholarships will be awarded based on the athletes' achievements in the previous year, 2024-25.
Talented athletes from the district who have placed first, second, or third in the senior, junior, or sub-junior categories in the National Games/National Championships, including those included in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and National Games, will be eligible for this scheme. The scholarships will be awarded to athletes up to the age of 25. According to information received from the district office, scholarships will be awarded for ₹75,000, ₹50,000, and ₹40,000 in the senior category, ₹60,000, ₹40,000, and ₹30,000 in the junior category, and ₹50,000, ₹25,000, and ₹20,000 in the sub-junior category.
In individual and team sports, only those players will be eligible who have actually participated in the competition, proof of which will be mandatory to be submitted by the officials of the concerned State Sports Association. It is necessary for the player to be a native of Chhattisgarh and represent the state in the competition. A player will be eligible for sports scholarship only once in a financial year and in case of more than one achievement, the sports scholarship will be given only on the basis of the best achievement.
Director, Sports and Youth Welfare will be the competent authority for sanctioning the sports scholarship. Application forms along with certification from the State Sports Associations can be submitted to the District Office or Directorate till office hours on 16 February 2026.

Raipur. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj National Gaurav Yatra, arriving in Raipur on February 16th, will receive a grand welcome at Tatibandh Chowk. Responsibility for all preparations, including the route map, the meeting place, and accommodation and food arrangements for the approximately 500 pilgrims arriving from Maharashtra, has been finalized. Representatives from all communities attended a meeting at the Maharashtra Mandal that lasted late Friday evening. They were assigned responsibilities in keeping with the grandeur of the event.
Maharashtra Mandal President Ajay Madhukar Kale stated that the leaders of the Maratha community, Kurmi community, Kunbi community, Agarwal Dau community, and Maharashtrian Teli community have been entrusted with the responsibility of the Gaurav Yatra's entry from Tatibandh to Krishi Mandapam, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, including the formwork, administrative permissions, route decoration, and flag hoisting. Meanwhile, the women's groups from all communities will be responsible for worshipping and garlanding the statue of Shivaji Maharaj at Tatyapara Chowk. Women from all communities will be seen in a uniform dress code for this occasion.
Dhananjay Sharma, Ajay Sharma, Dhananjay Verma, and Ajay Madhukar Kale were responsible for the accommodation and food arrangements at the welcome ceremony held at the Agricultural University. At the venue, Dr. Kuldeep Solanki, Subodh Tole, and the women leaders of all communities were responsible for stage decoration, lighting, microphones, welcome, cultural programs, and seating arrangements.
The National Gaurav Yatra, which will begin on February 12th from Sindhkhed, the maternal home of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's mother Jijau Bai, will travel through Nashik, Jalna, Amravati, Nagpur, Rajnandgaon, Durg, and Bhilai, and will reach Raipur at 4:00 pm on February 16th. From Tatibandh Chowk, the Yatra will proceed via the main road to Tatyapara Chowk, where prayers will be offered before the statue of Shivaji Maharaj. Following this, a welcome ceremony will be held at the Indira Gandhi Agricultural University at 6:00 pm. Extensive preparations are underway for the Gaurav Yatra. From the arrival of the chariot in Raipur to the welcome ceremony, the entire society is busy in making preparations to make everything special and memorable.
Dr. Kuldeep Solanki, Lokesh Pawar, Dhananjay Singh Verma, Lalit Kankade, Savita Baghel, Dr. Mukti Bais, Shankar Verma, Bharat Bhushan Chandravanshi, Parag Dalal, Abhay Bhagwatkar, Deepak Rao Ingle, Sumit Dhinge, Ganesha Jadhav Patil, Malti Mishra, Namita Shesh, Amit Doye, Chandrika Pargahaniya, Pushpalata Verma, KS Verma, Atul Gadre, Shyam Sundar Khangan, Sukrit Ganodwale and many officials of various societies were present in the meeting.
Janata Raja to be staged from 19th
In the meeting, Ajay Kale gave important information that with the courtesy of Youth Commission and the entire society, Asia's biggest drama 'Janata Raja' based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be staged at Sapre Shala ground in Raipur from 19th to 22nd February. Raipur's theatre artists will also have a chance to showcase their talent in this four-day production. For this, experts from the "Janata Raja" team will visit Raipur on February 10th and will not only select local artists for the play but will also conduct rehearsals with them.

 RaipurPresident Draupadi Murmu, who arrived to attend the inauguration ceremony of Bastar Pandum, today visited a grand exhibition showcasing the fragrance of Bastar's soil and primitive tribal traditions. During the event, the President visited various stalls and received detailed information about the arts and products displayed from local residents and artisans. President Murmu described Bastar Pandum as a powerful medium for preserving tribal heritage and promoting it to the world. She visited and appreciated the impressive exhibitions, one by one, featuring Dhokra handicrafts, terracotta, wood carving, sisal art, bamboo art, iron craft, tribal costumes and jewelry, tumba art, Bastar tribal paintings, local cuisine, and folk paintings. The exhibition, dedicated to tribal handicrafts at the Bastar Pandum venue, featured a special display of Dhokra art. This handicraft utilizes the lost wax casting technique. It is an ancient tribal metal art of India, vividly depicting nature, deities, and rural life. Each Dhokra piece is entirely handmade. Clay, wax, wire, brass, a hot kiln, and a cleaning machine are used in its creation. Clay figures depicting local terracotta art were also on display, vividly depicting folk traditions, rural life, and traditional beliefs. The exhibition showcased the vibrant expression of cultural and religious traditions through woodcarving. Teak, bija, siwan, and sal wood are used to create wooden sculptures, where artisans carve intricate shapes using traditional tools. The President also observed jute fabrics and other handicrafts made using sisal art. Another stall displayed traditional utility and decorative items made from bamboo. Artifacts made using wrought iron also particularly captivated the President. The stall displaying tribal jewelry drew the President's attention. This stall showcased tribal jewelry handcrafted from silver, pearls, shells, and various metals. These ornaments symbolize the identity, social traditions, and cultural heritage of tribal communities. Traditional musical instruments and decorative items made from dried gourd-like pods, known as Tumba art, were also on display. The tribal costumes and jewelry stall showcased traditional costumes and jewelry of the major tribes of the Bastar region—Dandami Madia, Abujhmadia, Muria, Bhatra, and Halba—by young men and women. President Murmu also visited a live exhibition of tribal paintings at the Bastar Pandum site. This exhibition presented a vivid glimpse of tribal life, nature, and traditions through Bastar paintings. Bastar art depicts the forest, folk deities, andFestivals and daily life are depicted through simple colors and symbols. This painting is an important medium for preserving cultural heritage passed down through generations. The local cuisine stall displayed food items and beverages used in tribal daily life. Traditional dishes like Jondhri Laai Laddu, Jondhra, Mandia Paej, Amat, Chapra Chutney, Bhenda Chutney, Kulathi Dal, Paan Bobo, Tikhur, along with beverages like Landa and Sulfi were displayed. The exhibition of folk paintings related to folk life displayed photographs related to Bastar's culture and history, natural beauty, folk life and folk traditions, as well as literature related to Bastar's tribal society and folk culture. 

0 President calls for educating tribal girls
00 President arrives in Bastar for the division-level inauguration of Bastar Pandum

Raipur. President Smt. Draupadi Murmu reached Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Bastar division this morning, where she inaugurated the division level Bastar Pandum-2026. On this occasion, President Smt. Murmu said that the soul of Chhattisgarh resides in the culture of the tribals. She started her address with the chanting of Maa Danteshwari, the revered goddess of Bastar. The President said that Chhattisgarh is such a state in the country, where the government is organizing events like Bastar Pandum to preserve its culture, tribal traditions and ancient heritage. This event is a living reflection of the glorious culture of the tribals. 

A large number of tribal artists and a large crowd attended the inaugural ceremony, held at the historic Lalbag grounds in Jagdalpur. Addressing the gathering, the President stated that the Vishnudev government in the state is dedicatedly working for the tribal people of Chhattisgarh. Continuous efforts are being made to uplift the tribal people through various schemes. Through schemes like PM Janman, Pradhan Mantri Janjati Gaurav Utkarsh Abhiyan, and Niyyad Nella Nar, tribal communities are being integrated into the mainstream of development.

The President, while laying special emphasis on the education of tribal girls in the Bastar region, said that not only the government but also society and their parents must come forward to connect tribal girls with education. Praising Bastar's rich tribal culture and glorious traditions, he said that the roots of ancient traditions remain strong in Chhattisgarh. Bastar Pandum is an important platform for promoting the identity, pride, and rich traditions of the tribal community. The President informed that more than 54,000 tribal artists have registered for Bastar Pandum, which reflects their deep connection to their cultural roots.
He said that Maoists are abandoning the path of violence and joining the mainstream, and their faith in democracy is increasing. Schools closed for years are reopening, roads and bridges are being constructed in inaccessible forest areas, and villagers are becoming involved in development. He said that Bastar's beauty and culture have always been a center of attraction for people, but unfortunately, for four decades, the region was plagued by Maoism, causing immense hardships to its residents.

President Murmu stated that as a result of the Indian government's decisive action against Maoist terrorism, the atmosphere of fear, insecurity, and distrust that had prevailed for years is now ending. Maoists are abandoning violence, and peace is returning to the lives of citizens. Thanks to the efforts of the state government and the cooperation of local people, a new dawn of development is dawning in Bastar. Electricity, roads, water, education, and health facilities are reaching every village. Schools that had been closed for years are now resuming classes for children. The President urged the gathering to preserve their culture and traditional heritage, emphasizing the need to showcase Bastar's tribal traditions on national and global platforms.

Bastar Pandum is a celebration of tribal folk culture - Governor Deka.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Governor Shri Ramen Deka said that Bastar Pandum is not an ordinary fair, but a celebration of Chhattisgarh's tribal folk culture. The folk dances, folk songs, traditional attire, jewelry, drums, and traditional cuisine together present a beautiful picture of Bastar to the world. He said that the Gaur dance, Parghoni dance, and dances like Dhurva, Muria, and Leja are symbols of Bastar's cultural consciousness. Such events are a powerful means of connecting our tribal culture and traditions with the new generation. The Governor said that Bastar is identified by its tribal culture and traditions. The Gond, Muria, Madia, Halba, Bhatra, and Parja communities have preserved their original traditions for generations. Harmony with water, forest, and land is Bastar's greatest strength. Through Bastar Pandum, artists will gain recognition, respect, and livelihood opportunities. Folk art will survive only when artists are prosperous.
Governor Deka said that Dhokra art is the pride of Chhattisgarh. Dhokra sculptures made in Bastar are popular both domestically and internationally. This art is a testament to the culture, hard work, and skill of tribal artisans. Bastar's culture embodies the folk traditions and diversity not only of Chhattisgarh but of the entire country.

Bastar is a land of rich culture and traditions - Chief Minister Sai
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, while paying homage to Goddess Danteshwari, said that President Smt. Draupadi Murmu's visit to Bastar Pandum is not merely a formal presence, but a blessing for Bastar, respect for the tribal community, and a sense of belonging for the mothers and sisters. He said that Bastar Pandum is not just an event, but a vibrant reflection of the tribal community's life, faith, dialect, dance, song, costume, food, and philosophy of life. Bastar is not just a land of forests, but a land of rich culture and traditions. The Chief Minister informed that this year, more than 54,000 artists registered for Bastar Pandum across 12 genres, including tribal dance, song, drama, costumes, jewelry, crafts, painting, cuisine, beverages, regional literature, and forest medicines, reflecting the vibrancy and richness of Bastar's culture.
Now a new Bastar - trust in place of fear, development in place of violence
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that there was a time when Bastar was known for Naxalism and violence, but today trust has replaced fear and development has replaced violence. Due to the determination of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji, the target of complete eradication of Naxalism has been set by March 31, 2026. He said that where once the sound of bullets echoed, today school bells ring. Where the tricolor could never be hoisted, today the national anthem can be heard. On Republic Day, the tricolor was hoisted for the first time in the most sensitive villages of Bastar division, which is a victory of democracy and the Constitution.

The Chief Minister stated that the Niyada Nella Nar, Prime Minister Janman, and Dharti Aaba Abhiyans
are milestones in development in tribal areas. These schemes have brought roads, electricity, water, education, health, and communication facilities to remote areas. With the new rehabilitation policy, those who once faced the gun are now returning to mainstream society with dignity. Villages like Chilkapalli, Temenar, and Handawada have received electricity after years; this is not just light, but hope and a future.
Making tribal communities self-reliant and globally recognized is our priority.
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that Bastar is also known for its forest produce. Tendu leaf collection rates have been increased, the Charan-Paduka scheme has been relaunched, and forest produce is being provided with fair prices and markets through Van Dhan Kendras. He informed that Dhudmaras village in Bastar has been listed among the best tourist villages in the world by the United Nations. Chitrakoot, Tirathgarh, Kanger Valley and Kotmasar Caves are not only tourist destinations but also the identity of Bastar.

Youth are now making their mark through sports and art, not weapons.
The Chief Minister said that events like the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum prove that Bastar's youth are now making their mark through sports and art, not weapons. The participation of millions of youth and women is the strongest evidence of this change.
Calling to strengthen Bastar's new identity,
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai expressed his gratitude to President Smt. Draupadi Murmu and said that her visit to Bastar is historic. This will boost the confidence of artists, give wings to the dreams of daughters, and give Bastar new energy. He said that together we will make Bastar a center of peace, prosperity, and culture, something the entire country can be proud of. Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal delivered the welcome address on this occasion.

A short documentary based on Kondagaon Bastar Pandum was screened and artists from Kondagaon and Bastanar gave captivating performances. Union Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Jagdalpur MLA Shri Kirandev Singh, MP Shri Mahesh Kashyap, Mayor Shri Sanjay Pandey, Commissioner Shri Doman Singh, Inspector General of Police Shri Sundarraj P, Collector Shri Akash Chhikara, Superintendent of Police Shri Shalabh Sinha along with public representatives, singers, priests, Manjhi-Chalaki, Bastar Pandum artists and a large number of dignitaries were present in the programme.

00 President Mrs. Murmu praised and encouraged by clapping
Jagdalpur. Abujhmad, known for its remote forest region and long struggles in Chhattisgarh, displayed its talent on Saturday. In the inaugural ceremony of the division level Bastar Pandum held at Lalbag ground in Jagdalpur, the young players of Abujhmad Mallakhamb and Sports Academy mesmerized everyone by giving a wonderful performance of Mallakhamb in front of the country's highest constitutional officer, President Mrs. Draupadi Murmu.

This was the first time that children from the Abujhmad region had come together to perform a lively and daring Mallakhamb performance before the President. The spectators in the arena were amazed as these young artists demonstrated extraordinary balance, agility, and difficult feats on the wooden pole. This performance, imbued with passion, discipline, and excellent technique, filled the entire atmosphere with emotion. President Draupadi Murmu herself was deeply impressed by the children's talent. She not only praised their courage, skill, and discipline, but also wished them a bright future.

The foundation of this historic achievement was laid in the remote and rugged areas of Narayanpur district, where even today, basic facilities are limited. Emerging from remote forest areas like Kutur, Karpa, and Parpa, these children have proven that talent is neither dependent on resources nor geographical boundaries. The inspiration behind this arduous journey is Manoj Prasad, who, besides being the founder of the academy, also serves as a constable in the 16th Battalion. Under his able leadership, discipline, and constant guidance, these children have overcome their hardships and established their unique identity at the national and international level.
These young Mallakhamb athletes have already proven their talent on the global stage by winning the title of India's Got Talent and becoming runners-up in Romania's Got Talent. With over 40 to 50 television shows in various countries, including India, hundreds of stage performances across the country, and gold and silver medals in numerous competitions, this group is continuously achieving new heights of success.
Now, the group is ready to take its earthy flavor, folk culture, and unique skills across the seven seas in an even stronger form. The academy's next goal is to showcase the folk art of India and Abujhmad on prestigious global platforms like America's Got Talent and Britain's Got Talent. This historic performance in Jagdalpur is a matter of pride not only for the Abujhmad Mallakhamb & Sports Academy, but for the entire Bastar region and Chhattisgarh. This event presents a powerful picture of a changing Bastar, where new stars of talent are emerging from the land of struggle.