JAGDALPUR, CHHATTISGARH (Dr. Atharuddin Munne Bharti): Marking a historic shift in the social and political landscape of tribal India, President Droupadi Murmu today inaugurated Bastar Pandum 2026. Addressing a massive gathering in Jagdalpur, the President hailed a “new dawn of development,” signaling that the shadow of a four-decade-long insurgency is finally being replaced by peace and prosperity.
Life as a Celebration: The Essence of Pandum
President Murmu began her address by paying homage to the unique cultural ethos of the Bastar region. In the local tradition, “Pandum” is more than a festival; it is a philosophy of living in harmony with nature.
“When farmers sow seeds in this fertile land, it is Pandum. When the mango season arrives, it is Pandum,” the President observed. “The people of Bastar celebrate every aspect of life—a way of existence that offers profound lessons for the rest of the nation.”
From Conflict to Constitutional Faith
In a pointed assessment of the region’s security situation, the President acknowledged the “immense suffering” caused by four decades of Maoist violence. She noted that the youth and Dalit communities bore the brunt of this instability. However, she credited decisive federal action for dismantling the “atmosphere of insecurity, fear, and mistrust.”
“Those associated with Maoism are abandoning the path of violence,” she stated, noting the surge in surrenders. She urged those returning to the mainstream to maintain “complete faith in the Constitution and democracy,” assuring them that the state is committed to their seamless reintegration into civil society.
The Infrastructure of Peace
The President highlighted a visible transformation in the region’s rural infrastructure, citing the state’s Niyad Nellanar Yojana as a catalyst for change. Key milestones mentioned included:
- Restoration of Services: The systematic reopening of schools that remained shuttered for years.
- Rural Connectivity: The rapid expansion of electricity, all-weather roads, and potable water to the furthest reaches of the district.
- Targeted Welfare: The impact of the PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan in reaching the most isolated tribal hamlets.
Education as a Strategic Priority
Emphasizing that education is the “cornerstone of individual and community development,” the President lauded the role of Eklavya Model Residential Schools in bridging the gap for tribal students. She issued a direct appeal to parents and guardians to prioritize schooling, framing it as the primary engine for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
Balancing Heritage and Modernity
President Murmu concluded by reminding the audience that development need not come at the cost of identity. Citing the world-renowned Bastar Dussehra and the spiritual significance of Goddess Danteshwari, she encouraged the people to draw inspiration from their glorious history to build a modern future.
“Bastar is blessed with abundant natural resources and a hardworking populace,” she said. “The progress of this region is not just a local achievement; it is crucial for the progress of Chhattisgarh and the entire nation.”
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