Raipur . With the strength of democracy, the supremacy of the Constitution, and the resolve for a developed Chhattisgarh, the 77th Republic Day was celebrated across the state today in an atmosphere of joy, patriotism, and pride. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai hoisted the national flag and took the salute at the joint parade at the main Republic Day function held at the Police Parade Ground in Bilaspur. He honored the families of martyred soldiers and police personnel and announced the 25th Anniversary of Statehood Medal for the Chhattisgarh Police Force. 

On this occasion, Chief Minister Sai extended Republic Day greetings to the people of the state, stating that the Constitution of India is a strong foundation of our democratic faith, equality, and social justice. The state government is working with full dedication for the service, development, and prosperity of Chhattisgarh. In his Republic Day message, Chief Minister Sai detailed the state's achievements, public welfare schemes, progress towards Naxal eradication, empowerment of farmers, workers, and women, education, health, industrial development, and good governance.

The Chief Minister said that Republic Day is not just a day of celebration, but also a day to remember the great men and freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Paying homage to the founding fathers of the Constitution, especially Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, he said that the Constitution symbolizes social harmony, equal rights, and freedom of expression. He described Baba Guru Ghasidas Ji's message of "Manke-Manke Ek Saman" as the soul of the Constitution and said that the Indian Republic has created an open society where every citizen can participate in nation-building.

Chief Minister Sai said that Chhattisgarh recently celebrated the silver jubilee of its statehood. Formed by former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the state has embarked on a powerful journey of development in 25 years. He added that Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the newly constructed building of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly – the temple of the Constitution. Decorated with designs of paddy stalks and folk art from Bastar-Sarguja, this building is a symbol of Chhattisgarhi identity.

The Chief Minister said that this year, the 150th birth anniversary of the national anthem, Vande Mataram, was celebrated with reverence and respect across the state. From Konta in Sukma district to Sitamarhi Harchauka in Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, people sang Vande Mataram collectively. This is a true tribute to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.

Referring to the 150th birth anniversary of Dharti Aba Bhagwan Birsa Munda and the celebration of Tribal Pride Day, the Chief Minister said that the tribal community made a historic contribution to the freedom struggle. He said that the Martyr Veer Narayan Singh Tribal Freedom Fighter Digital Museum, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the country's first digital museum, which introduces today's generation to the sacrifices of tribal heroes.

Chief Minister Sai stated that Maoist violence has been a serious challenge to democracy, but under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Shah, Chhattisgarh has adopted a decisive strategy. He stated that as a result of the indomitable courage of the soldiers and sustained operations, Maoist violence is now in its final stages, and the goal of making the state Naxal-free by March 2026 is nearing completion. The Chief Minister detailed the rehabilitation of surrendered Naxalites, initiatives like Bastar Cafe, and development work in affected areas through the Niyyad Nella Nar scheme.

The Chief Minister stated that the biggest challenge since the state's formation has been the prosperity of the farmers. Today, Chhattisgarh farmers are receiving the highest price for paddy in the country. He reported that paddy procurement has increased from 5 lakh metric tons to 149 lakh metric tons. In the last two years, ₹1.5 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers' accounts. Under the Atal Irrigation Scheme, 115 pending irrigation projects are being completed.

The Chief Minister informed that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, over 2.6 million houses have been approved in the state, and approximately 2,000 houses are being constructed daily, the highest in the country. He added that the state ranks second in the country in electricity production and is soon moving towards the first position. Work is progressing rapidly on solar energy, gas-based projects, and the goal of zero carbon emissions.

The Chief Minister informed that under the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, 7 million women will be provided with an honorarium of ₹1,000 per month. An amount of ₹14,948 crore has been disbursed so far. He spoke about the effective implementation of ESI, labor codes, and social security schemes for workers.

The Chief Minister stated that rationalization has addressed the teacher shortage. Under the National Education Policy, education in local languages, 9,000 smart classes, and 22,000 computers are being provided. In the field of health education, the number of new medical colleges has increased to 15 with the approval of a multi-super-specialty hospital in Bilaspur and the introduction of MBBS courses in Hindi.

The Chief Minister stated that investment proposals worth ₹7.83 lakh crore have been received so far under the new industrial policy. Nava Raipur is being developed as an IT, AI, pharma, and medical hub. He stated that the future belongs to AI, and Chhattisgarh will be its hub.

The Chief Minister mentioned the Ramlala Darshan Yojana, the Chief Minister's Teerth Darshan Yojana, the development of Bastar Pandum, Chitrakoot Falls, Mainpat, Surguja, and Jashpur tourism. He emphasized the strengthening of good governance through e-office, the GeM portal, biometric attendance, and digital governance.

School children presented patriotic cultural programs at the event. Attractive tableaux based on various government departments showcased the state's development journey in a lively manner.

A call for a developed Chhattisgarh.
The Chief Minister, quoting lines from a poem by the late Laxman Masturia, appealed for public participation, saying that everyone's participation is essential in building a developed Chhattisgarh. He concluded by extending Republic Day greetings and best wishes to the people of the state.