President Calls for Education of Tribal Girls
President of India Arrives in Bastar for Divisional-Level Inauguration of Bastar Pandum
Raipur, February 07, 2026/ President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu arrived at Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Bastar division, this morning, where she inaugurated the divisional-level Bastar Pandum–2026. Addressing the gathering, the President said that the soul of Chhattisgarh lives in its tribal culture. She began her address with chants in praise of Bastar’s presiding deity, Maa Danteshwari.
The President noted that Chhattisgarh is a unique state where the government is organising initiatives such as Bastar Pandum to preserve its culture, tribal traditions, and ancient heritage. She described the festival as a vibrant reflection of the glorious tribal culture of the region.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the historic Lalbagh Ground in Jagdalpur, witnessed the presence of a large number of tribal artists and a massive public gathering. In her address to the gathering, President Smt Murmu said that the Vishnu Deo Sai-led government is working with dedication for the welfare of the tribal communities of Chhattisgarh. Continuous efforts are being made for tribal upliftment through various schemes. Initiatives such as PM Janman, the Prime Minister’s Tribal Pride and Prosperity Mission, and Niyad Nella Nar are helping integrate tribal society into the mainstream of development.
Emphasizing on the education of tribal girls in Bastar region, the President said that along with the government, society and parents must also step forward to ensure that tribal girls receive quality education. Appreciating Bastar’s rich tribal culture and proud traditions, she said that the roots of ancient traditions remain strong in Chhattisgarh even today. Bastar Pandum is an important platform that promotes the identity, pride, and rich heritage of tribal communities. She informed that more than 54,000 tribal artists have registered for Bastar Pandum, reflecting their deep connection with their cultural roots.
President Smt Murmu observed that many Maoists are abandoning the path of violence and joining the mainstream, with growing faith in democracy. Schools that remained closed for years are reopening, roads and bridges are being constructed in remote forest areas, and rural communities are increasingly connecting with development. She said that while Bastar’s beauty and culture have always attracted people, the region unfortunately remained affected by Maoism for nearly four decades, causing immense hardship to its residents.
President Smt Murmu stated that as a result of the Government of India’s decisive action against Maoist terror, the long-standing atmosphere of fear, insecurity, and distrust is now dissipating. Maoists are renouncing violence, and peace is returning to the lives of citizens. With the efforts of the state government and cooperation of local communities, Bastar is witnessing a new sunrise of development. Electricity, roads, water supply, education, and healthcare facilities are reaching villages. Schools that were shut for years are once again resuming classes. Calling upon the gathering to preserve their culture and traditional heritage, the President stressed upon the need to present Bastar’s tribal traditions on national and global platforms.
Bastar Pandum Is a Festival of Tribal Folk Culture: Governor Shri Ramen Deka
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Governor Shri Ramen Deka said that Bastar Pandum is not merely a fair but a celebration of Chhattisgarh’s tribal folk culture. Folk dances, folk songs, traditional attire, ornaments, drums and nagadas, and traditional cuisine together present a beautiful picture of Bastar to the world. He said that dances such as Gaur, Parghouni, and those of the Dhurwa, Muria, and Leja communities are symbols of Bastar’s cultural consciousness. Such events serve as a powerful medium to connect the new generation with tribal culture and traditions.
The Governor said that Bastar’s identity lies in its tribal culture and traditions. Communities such as the Gond, Muria, Madia, Halba, Bhatra, and Parja have preserved their original traditions for generations. Harmony with water, forests, 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 prosper.
Governor Shri Deka also said that Dhokra art is the pride of Chhattisgarh. Dhokra artefacts crafted in Bastar are popular both in India and abroad, standing as testimony to the culture, hard work, and skill of tribal artisans. Bastar’s culture, he said, is not only representative of Chhattisgarh but also of India’s diverse folk traditions.
Bastar Is a Land of Rich Culture and Traditions: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, offering obeisance to Maa Danteshwari, said that the President’s presence at Bastar Pandum is not merely ceremonial, but a blessing for Bastar, a mark of respect for the tribal community, and a gesture of warmth for mothers and sisters. He said that Bastar Pandum is not just an event, but a living reflection of tribal life, faith, language, dance, music, attire, cuisine, and philosophy of life. Bastar is not merely a land of forests, but a land of rich culture and traditions.
Chief Minister Shri Sai informed that this year, for Bastar Pandum, more than 54,000 artists have registered across 12 disciplines, including tribal dance, music, theatre, attire and ornaments, handicrafts, painting, cuisine, beverages, regional literature, and forest-based medicinal knowledge. This, he said, reflects the vibrancy and richness of Bastar’s culture.
A New Bastar: Trust Replaces Fear, Development Replaces 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. Under the firm resolve of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, a target has been set to completely eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026. He said that where gunshots once echoed, school bells now ring. Where the Tricolour once could not be hoisted, the National Anthem now resonates. On Republic Day, the Tricolour was unfurled for the first time in highly sensitive villages of Bastar division, marking a victory for democracy and the Constitution.
Niyad Nella Nar, PM Janman and Dharti Aaba Campaign: Milestones of Development
Chief Minister said that the Niyad Nella Nar Yojana, PM Janman, and the Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Development Mission are major milestones in the development of tribal areas. These schemes have brought roads, electricity, water, education, healthcare, and communication facilities to remote regions. Under the new rehabilitation policy, those who once followed the path of guns are now returning to the mainstream with dignity. Villages such as Chilkapalli, Temenar, and Handawada have received electricity after many years, which is not just illumination, but a light of hope and future.
Our Priority Is Tribal Self-Reliance and Global Recognition
Chief Minister Sai said that Bastar is also identified with forest produce. The rate for tendu leaf collection has been increased, the Charan-Paduka Yojana has been restarted, and through Van Dhan Kendras, fair prices and market access are being ensured for forest produce. He informed that Dhudmaras village of Bastar has been included by the United Nations among the world’s best tourism villages. Chitrakote, Tirathgarh, Kanger Valley, and Kotumsar caves are not merely tourist destinations but symbols of Bastar’s identity.
Youth Choose Sports and Art Over Weapons
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that events like the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum demonstrate that Bastar’s youth are now building their identity through sports and art, not weapons. The participation of lakhs of youth and women is the strongest evidence of this transformation.
Call to Strengthen Bastar’s New Identity
Expressing gratitude to President Smt Droupadi Murmu, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that her visit to Bastar is historic. It will boost the confidence of artists, give wings to the dreams of daughters, and infuse Bastar with new energy. He said that together, everyone will work to make Bastar a centre of peace, prosperity, and culture, a region that the entire nation can take pride in.
On this occasion, Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal delivered the welcome address. A short documentary based on Kondagaon Bastar Pandum was screened, and artists from Kondagaon and Bastanar presented captivating performances.
The programme was attended by Union Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Jagdalpur MLA Shri Kiran Dev 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, Gaytas, Pujaris, Manjhi-Chalkis, Bastar Pandum artists, and a large number of distinguished citizens.
