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.