Jagdalpur, Feb 07: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the divisional-level Bastar Pandum–2026 at the historic Lalbagh Ground on Saturday morning, describing tribal culture as the “soul of Chhattisgarh.” Commencing her address with chants in praise of Bastar’s presiding deity, Maa Danteshwari, the President highlighted the region’s shift from a legacy of conflict to a new era of peace and development.
President Murmu noted that Bastar Pandum is a unique initiative by the state government to preserve ancient traditions and heritage. She remarked that while the region’s beauty has always attracted visitors, the four-decade-long shadow of Maoist insurgency had caused immense hardship. “Due to the decisive action taken by the Government of India against Maoist terror, the atmosphere of insecurity and mistrust is now coming to an end,” she stated, urging those who have renounced violence to place full faith in the Constitution.
Emphasising the importance of education, the President called for a collective effort from the government and society to ensure tribal girls receive quality schooling. She lauded the reach of welfare schemes such as PM Janman and the state’s Niyad Nella Nar initiative, which are bringing electricity, roads, and healthcare to remote forest villages.
Governor Ramen Deka, in his address, termed the festival a celebration of tribal folk consciousness. He noted that traditional dances like Gaur and Parghouni, along with the world-renowned Dhokra art, represent the cultural strength of the Gond, Muria, and Halba communities. He stressed that such events serve as a vital link between the new generation and their cultural roots.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed the President, stating that her visit serves as a blessing for the tribal community and a significant boost to their self-respect. He informed the gathering that over 54,000 artists have registered for the festival across 12 disciplines, ranging from traditional handicrafts and forest-based medicinal knowledge to regional literature.
The Chief Minister highlighted the state’s firm resolve to eliminate Naxalism by 31 March 2026, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “Where gunshots once echoed, school bells now ring. On this Republic Day, the Tricolour was unfurled for the first time in several highly sensitive villages, marking a victory for the Constitution,” the CM said.
He further detailed milestones such as the Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Development Mission and the reopening of the Charan-Paduka Yojana for tendu leaf collectors. He also expressed pride in the fact that Dhudmaras village in Bastar was recently recognised by the United Nations as one of the world’s best tourism villages.
The event, which featured a documentary on the Kondagaon Bastar Pandum and cultural performances, was attended by Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, and several senior officials including Bastar IG Sundarraj P and Collector Akash Chhikara.