President stresses tribal culture, girls’ education and development while inaugurating Bastar Pandum 2026 in Jagdalpur
Raipur (Economy India): President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said that the true soul of Chhattisgarh resides in its rich tribal culture, traditions and heritage. She made these remarks while inaugurating the divisional-level Bastar Pandum 2026 at Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Bastar division.
Beginning her address with chants of Maa Danteshwari, the presiding deity of Bastar, the President said Chhattisgarh is a unique state where the government is making dedicated efforts to preserve tribal traditions and ancient cultural heritage through initiatives such as Bastar Pandum. She described the festival as a vibrant reflection of the pride, identity and living traditions of tribal communities.
The inaugural ceremony, held at the historic Lalbagh Ground in Jagdalpur, witnessed the participation of thousands of tribal artists and a large gathering of people. Addressing the gathering, President Murmu said the state government under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai is working with commitment for the welfare of tribal communities. She highlighted initiatives such as PM Janman, Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Gaurav Utkarsh Abhiyan, and Niyad Nella Nar, which are helping bring tribal regions into the development mainstream.
The President placed special emphasis on education for tribal girls, urging not only the government but also society and parents to actively support their education. She praised Bastar’s deep-rooted traditions and said Bastar Pandum serves as an important platform to promote tribal identity and cultural heritage. Notably, more than 54,000 tribal artists have registered for the festival, reflecting their strong connection with their cultural roots.
Referring to the changing situation in Bastar, President Murmu said that many Maoists are abandoning violence and joining the mainstream, strengthening faith in democracy. Schools that were shut for years have reopened, roads and bridges are being constructed in remote forest areas, and villages are steadily connecting with development. She said that due to decisive action against Maoist violence, the atmosphere of fear and insecurity is gradually fading, bringing peace back into people’s lives.
She added that electricity, roads, drinking water, education and healthcare facilities are now reaching remote villages. The President called upon people to preserve their cultural heritage and work towards presenting Bastar’s tribal traditions on national and global platforms.
Bastar Pandum Celebrates Tribal Folk Culture: Governor Ramen Deka
Addressing the ceremony, Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka said Bastar Pandum is not just a fair but a grand celebration of the state’s tribal folk culture. Folk dances, songs, traditional attire, ornaments, drums and local cuisine together present a vivid picture of Bastar’s cultural richness. He said such events help connect the younger generation with tribal traditions and provide artists with recognition, respect and livelihood opportunities.
Bastar Is a Land of Rich Culture and Traditions: CM Vishnu Deo Sai
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, while welcoming the President, said her presence at Bastar Pandum was a blessing for Bastar and a mark of respect for the tribal community. He said Bastar Pandum is a living expression of tribal life, faith, language, art, food and philosophy.
The Chief Minister noted that over 54,000 artists registered this year across 12 cultural categories, showcasing the region’s vibrant diversity. He said Bastar is now witnessing a transformation, with trust replacing fear and development replacing violence. He reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating Naxalism by March 31, 2026, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Highlighting development initiatives, CM Sai said schemes such as Niyad Nella Nar, PM Janman, and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan have significantly improved infrastructure and living conditions in tribal areas. He added that Bastar’s youth are now building their identities through sports and cultural activities instead of violence.
The programme also featured cultural performances by artists from Kondagaon and Bastanar and the screening of a short documentary on Bastar Pandum. Several ministers, MPs, MLAs, senior officials and thousands of citizens were present on the occasion.
(Economy India)
