Raipur, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday called upon young people to dream big, broaden their outlook, and align their personal success with the service of society and the nation.

Addressing the ‘Seva Samman Parv and Yuva Prabodhan’ programme organised on the occasion of Nuakhai festival at Sardar Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur, the President emphasised that countrywide progress gains momentum when individual aspirations align with national goals. Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and thousands of delegates attended the grand event.

Extending warm greetings on Nuakhai, President Murmu described the celebration as a symbol of agricultural heritage, mutual harmony, and social cohesion. She noted that food signifies the hard work of farmers and the generosity of nature. Respecting food, recognising the contribution of farmers, and protecting natural resources remain the collective responsibility of every citizen, she stressed.

President Murmu advised young people to pursue continuous learning, overcome failures with courage, and integrate knowledge with humility. An achievement becomes meaningful only when talent serves the needy and solves societal problems, she said, adding that small, honest efforts by citizens form the backbone of nation-building.

Highlighting the vision of a developed India by 2047, the President asserted that equal participation of women is essential to achieve this goal. She called upon men, particularly the youth, to foster an environment where women can pursue their aspirations without obstacles, emphasizing that respect for women must reflect in everyday conduct and mindset.

Referring to regional development, President Murmu expressed satisfaction over positive changes in Chhattisgarh, where joint efforts by central and state governments have enabled misguided youth to abandon Naxalism and join the mainstream. Areas once gripped by terror are now witnessing rapid economic and social development, benefiting families and accelerating overall national growth, she noted.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Ramen Deka described Nuakhai as a festival of social unity and service that expresses gratitude to Mother Earth. He urged the youth to stay away from substance abuse, adopt service as a way of life, and contribute to nation-building through innovation, skills, and strong moral values.

Welcoming the President on behalf of the state’s three crore people, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that President Murmu’s journey from a small village in Odisha to the highest constitutional office serves as an inspiring beacon for daughters, youth, and tribal communities across India. He highlighted the deep socio-cultural ties between Chhattisgarh and Odisha and appreciated the Odia community’s contribution to the state’s development.

Outlining key youth-centric developmental initiatives, Chief Minister Sai reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building a developed Chhattisgarh. The state government has set up five new medical colleges in Geedam, Kunkuri, Janjgir-Champa, Manendragarh, and Kawardha, alongside a National Skill Training Institute in Nava Raipur designed to train 4,000 youth annually in modern technology.

The Chief Minister added that under the Chhattisgarh Startup Promotion Policy, a ₹100 crore startup fund has been created to nurture youth entrepreneurship, while the Chhattisgarh State AI Mission aims to train six lakh students in artificial intelligence. Furthermore, prestigious institutions including a forensic university campus, NIFT, and NIELIT are being established, along with a 10 per cent reservation in direct recruitment for police constables, forest guards, and prison warders reserved for Agniveers completing four years of military service.

Chief Minister Sai also commended the enthusiastic public participation in the mega blood donation drive, ‘Raktadan Mahakumbh’, held under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. A total of 2,548 individuals, including 1,188 women, voluntarily donated blood during the campaign, setting an exemplary benchmark for community service and women empowerment in the state.

Several dignitaries including Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma, Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, state cabinet ministers, MPs, and MLAs were present at the event.