- Chief Minister attends memorial gathering for Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh in Karrejhar
- Rs 15 lakh announced for pond construction; total works worth Rs 71.93 lakh inaugurated
Raipur, December 11, 2025//Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that tribal freedom fighters and revered leaders have played an unmatched role in shaping the nation and society. He added that whenever the country faced adversity, tribal communities confronted it with courage and opposed divisive forces with remarkable resolve.
Chief Minister was addressing the Virat Veer Mela Mahotsav at Karrejhar village in Gurur block of Balod district on Wednesday. He joined the memorial gathering held on the concluding day of the three-day festival and paid homage to Amar Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh.
Shri Sai announced Rs 15 lakh for the construction of a pond near the fair venue. He also approved an increase in the Tribal Welfare Department’s financial assistance for the festival from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. He further announced the construction of a kitchen shed at the ‘devsthal’ in Rajarav Pathar. In addition, Chief Minister inaugurated development works worth Rs 71.93 lakh at the fair venue.
Shri Sai highlighted the contributions of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in strengthening tribal rights and identity at the national level. Remembering Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh and Shri Gend Singh, he said their courage and patriotism formed an invaluable legacy. He added that the state government has fulfilled the commitments made under the Prime Minister Modi’s guarantee.
Former Union Minister Shri Arvind Netam praised the efforts of the Centre and state in eliminating Naxal violence, calling it essential for development. Tribal Welfare and Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam said the government under Shri Sai’s leadership is working with commitment for the progress of every section of society.
Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap said that the long struggles of tribal ancestors are beginning to yield results, particularly in the recognition of their forest rights. Bastar, he noted, is witnessing peace after decades of Naxal violence, and sectors such as education, health and infrastructure are gaining a strong foundation.
Folk artists of the tribal community presented traditional art forms including Rela, Mandari and Hulki.
Chief Minister also released two books: ‘Adishakti Maa Angarmoti’ by Smt. Hemvati Thakur and ‘Ghotul Pundana’ by Shri Marai Radheshyam Bastaria.
Revenue Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma and Kanker MLA Shri Asharam Netam were also present.
