Raipur
Chhattisgarh marked its 25th birthday on Saturday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching a slew of projects, prominent among them being the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial and the Tribal Freedom Fighters’ Museum and a new Assembly building.
Veer Narayan Singh, the zamindar of Sonakhan in Chhattisgarh, had raised a banner of revolt against the British, who persecuted him. The museum named after him is the country’s first digital museum, equipped with advanced VFX technology, projection systems, digital screens, and QR-code scanning facilities for mobile devices. These features enable visitors to experience every narrative through digital mediums. The museum presents a vivid portrayal of major tribal movements of Chhattisgarh.
Addressing the Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav, marking 25 years of formation of the State, Modi pointed out that today, another significant step has been taken in this direction with the inauguration of the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum. He highlighted that the museum showcases over 150 years of tribal history prior to independence, detailing how tribal freedom fighters contributed to India’s struggle for freedom. He expressed confidence that the museum will continue to inspire future generations.
Outlining that the State is home to one of the country’s largest tribal populations—a community with a proud history and immense contributions to India’s heritage and development, Modi emphasized that the government is consistently working to ensure that the entire nation and the world recognize and celebrate the contributions of tribal communities.
Whether through the establishment of museums dedicated to tribal freedom fighters across the country or by declaring the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, the government’s constant endeavour is to honour and glorify the legacy of the tribal society.
Stressing that their government is simultaneously working to preserve tribal heritage and promote tribal development and welfare, Modi cited the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, which is bringing new light of development to thousands of tribal villages across the country. He noted that this is a Rs 80,000-crore initiative—unprecedented in scale for tribal regions in independent India.
He further stated that for the first time, a national scheme has been formulated for the development of the most vulnerable tribal groups. Under the PM-JANMAN scheme, development work is being carried out in thousands of habitations of these communities.
The Prime Minister stated that tribal communities have been collecting forest produce for generations. He highlighted that it is the current government that created opportunities for greater earnings through Van Dhan Kendras. He noted that improved arrangements for the procurement of tendu leaves have resulted in significantly higher income for collectors in Chhattisgarh.
Expressing satisfaction that Chhattisgarh is now freeing itself from the shackles of Naxalism and Maoist terrorism, Modi acknowledged the painful experiences endured by the people for 50–55 years due to Naxalism.
Stressing that he could not allow his tribal brothers and sisters to be ruined by the cycle of violence, nor could he bear to see countless mothers weeping for their children, Modi remarked that when the nation gave him the opportunity to serve in 2014, his government resolved to free India from Maoist terrorism.
Affirming that the results of this resolve are now visible to the entire country, the Prime Minister said that eleven years ago, over 125 districts were affected by Maoist terror; today, only three districts remain where traces of Maoist activity persist. “The day is not far when Chhattisgarh and the entire nation will be completely free from Maoist terrorism”, affirmed the Prime Minister
Modi stated that the elimination of Maoist terrorism has made the impossible possible. He remarked that areas once gripped by fear of bombs and guns have now transformed. In Chilkapalli village of Bijapur, electricity has reached for the first time in seven decades. In Rekawaya village of Abujhmad, school construction has begun for the first time since independence. He highlighted that Puvarti village, once considered a stronghold of terror, is now witnessing a wave of development. The red flag has been replaced by the national tricolour. He noted that regions like Bastar are now filled with celebration, hosting events such as Bastar Pandum and Bastar Olympics.
Urging everyone to imagine how far Chhattisgarh has progressed over the past 25 years despite the challenge of Naxalism, and how much faster the pace will be once this challenge is fully overcome, Modi emphasized that the coming years are crucial for Chhattisgarh.
Modi spoke highly of the State’s developmental journey. He cited an example of the State’s developmental journey noting that 25 years ago, Chhattisgarh had only one medical college, today, the state has 14 medical colleges and an AIIMS in Raipur.
In his address at the inauguration of the New Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Building, the PM recalled that “our tribal communities have been living democratic traditions for generations”.
“The Muria Darbar of Bastar — an “ancient parliament” — is a living example of this. For centuries, society and administration have come together here to resolve issues. I am glad that this tradition of the Muria Darbar finds a place in this Assembly as well,” he said.
He also spoke of Bastar art. “While observing this building, I caught a glimpse of the beautiful Bastar art. I recall gifting a piece of Bastar art to the Prime Minister of Thailand a few months ago. This art form symbolizes our creativity and cultural strength,” he told the legislators.
Talking about Chhattisgarh’s 25-year journey, Modi said the State has undergone a remarkable and inspiring transformation. Once identified with Naxalism and backwardness, it now stands as a symbol of prosperity, security, and stability, he said adding today, the Bastar Olympics are discussed across the country.
He reminisced his days as a karyakarta saying, “This is a day of great joy and deep emotional significance for me. I have shared a very close bond with this land for many decades. As a karyakarta (party worker), I have spent considerable time in Chhattisgarh and learned immensely from it. The people and the soil of this state have profoundly shaped my life and have been a great blessing to me.”
“At this glorious juncture, I bow in reverence to the visionary statesman whose foresight and compassion gave birth to this state, Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee,” he said, The PM unveiled a life-size statue of Vajpayee on the Assembly premises.
The PM also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for developmental and transformative projects worth over ₹14,260 crore, covering key sectors such as roads, industry, healthcare, and energy.
In his packed schedule, Modi spoke to the family of folk singer Teejan Bai and writer Vinod Kumar Shukla, two celebrated figures of Chhattisgarh’s cultural landscape. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Shanti Shikhar of the Brahma Kumaris in Nava Raipur. The centre is a modern hub for spiritual learning, peace and meditation.
Earlier, the Prime Minister visited the Shri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital in Nava Raipur, where he interacted with nearly two-and-a-half thousand children under the “Dil Ki Baat” programme. These children, suffering from congenital heart diseases, have received free and successful treatment at the hospital. On this occasion, the Prime Minister presented “Gift of Life” certificates to the children.
President Droupadi Murmu led the dignitaries in wishing Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Puducherry on their Formation Day. Uttarakhand will celebrate its Silver Jubilee Year of the State Foundation Day, on November 9.
