Bastar embracing development, leaving violence behind: President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu said Bastar is witnessing a transformation as people move away from violence towards education, employment and development. She highlighted improved infrastructure, revived schools and the growing role of tribal youth in nation-building while preserving cultural heritage

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said that Bastar region in Chhattisgarh is moving towards a new path of development and people are coming out of the environment of violence and embracing new opportunities for education, employment and development.

This transformation is a sign of a bright future for Bastar, she said during a meeting with the delegation of “Bastar Mandal”, that had called on the president here. She was happy to note that with the government’s efforts and the active participation of the people of Bastar, the region is moving towards a new path of development.

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“Amenities such as roads, electricity, and drinking water are reaching even the remotest villages. Schools that had remained closed for long time are once again bustling with children, and the light of education is reaching every household.

“Today, an atmosphere of hope, trust, and progress is taking shape in Bastar. This transformation is a source of joy and pride for the entire nation,” Murmu said. Meeting the delegation, comprising winners of cultural festival Bastar Pandum 2026, the president said that tribal youth are showcasing their talents in various fields such as education, science, art, and sports.

Tribal people have an innate talent in sports and art, Murmu said, and expressed confidence that tribal people will participate in the developmental journey and contribute to nation building while preserving and promoting their cultural identity.

She also underlined the need to work for empowerment of women, children, deprived sections of society and senior citizens. Murmu urged people to make conservation of water, environment and natural resources an integral part of their lives.

Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. In a post on X, Shah said Bastar will become Chhattisgarh’s most developed division, establishing new benchmarks of progress, in the coming years.

“The Bastar residents, who arrived at Rashtrapati Bhavan for the first time in their traditional attire, stand as proof that Bastar, which was once losing its rich heritage, culture and traditions due to Naxalite violence, is today Naxal-free and preserving its heritage,” he said. “Advancing on the path of development, Bastar will in the coming years become Chhattisgarh’s most developed division, establishing new benchmarks of progress,” he added.