Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, addressed the Bastar Pandum Program in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, emphasizing the government’s commitment to bring international recognition to Bastar by promoting its rich traditions, culture, and arts. The program is set to celebrate 12 categories next year, inviting participation from tribal communities nationwide. Shah asserted that Naxalism could not hinder the progression of Bastar, which is transforming into a beacon of hope and development.
He highlighted the significant changes occurring in Bastar, noted for its past struggles, where now the sounds of education and infrastructure development are replacing gunfire—symbolizing a bright future. The Minister encouraged a collective effort to advance developmental goals without fear, asserting that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, there is no reason for concern.
The Chhattisgarh government plans to declare any village that successfully persuades all Naxalites to surrender as Naxal-free, offering a development fund of one crore rupees to support such communities. Shah mentioned the importance of empowering locals, aiming for individuals from Sukma, Bastar, Dantewada, and Kanker to rise to roles such as sub-inspectors, barristers, doctors, and collectors to foster further development in the region.
The Modi government is dedicated to eradicating Naxalism from the entire country by March 2026. During the event, notable figures, including Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, were in attendance.
Shah honored Maharaja Pravir Chandra Bhanjdeo, who devoted his life to protecting tribal lands, resources, and culture, stating that the profound connection the Maharaja had with the populace made him a target of the government, leading to his demise. He expressed that as Bastar moves toward liberation from violence, Maharaja Pravir Chandra’s spirit supports its advancement.
The Union Home Minister announced that starting next year, Bastar Pandum would involve artists from every tribal district across the country, with initiatives designed to elevate the region’s art and culture to an international platform. The ongoing festival has seen participation from 47,000 artists spanning more than 200 local bodies, with an investment of 5 crore rupees from the district administration and the cultural department. The program aims to preserve and promote the area’s traditional art, craftsmanship, festivals, cuisines, and customs, ensuring they maintain their authentic essence.
Union Home Minister recently articulated a vision for the youth of Bastar, emphasizing the importance of modern education while maintaining their cultural identity. He asserted the need for the region’s youth to compete globally and achieve prosperity, underscoring that Bastar’s rich culture, including its dialects, musical instruments, and cuisine, is a treasure not only for Chhattisgarh but for all of India, which must be preserved. He announced that the Bastar Pandum festival, celebrated in seven categories this year, is set to expand to twelve categories next year, inviting participation from tribal communities across the nation. This celebration, according to him, symbolizes India’s strength derived from its unity in diversity, intertwining various cultures and traditions, which should be cherished even as the nation competes on the global stage.
The Home Minister also addressed the historical violence in the region, urging Naxalites to lay down their weapons and embrace peace for development to flourish in Bastar. He stated that Prime Minister Modi envisions a prosperous Bastar, which can only materialize in a peaceful environment. He outlined ambitious goals for the region, such as ensuring that children attend school, improving maternal health, eradicating malnutrition among tribals and youth, establishing educational facilities, and ensuring that every village has a healthcare dispensary and each tehsil a hospital. These developments hinge on the collective decision of Bastar’s residents to make their villages free from Naxalism. He noted that the Chhattisgarh government is incentivizing these efforts by promising a development fund of one crore rupees to villages achieving Naxal-free status.
The Union Home Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to peace, assuring that Naxalites will receive protection if they choose to forsake violence and integrate into the mainstream society, reinforcing that armed resistance could not thwart Bastar’s development. He also referenced Prime Minister Modi’s “Vocal for Local” initiative, which aims to market unique local products through Geographic Indication (GI) tagging, thus promoting them nationally. He stressed the need for recognizing the sacrifices of tribal freedom fighters, advocating for their respect in national conversation. Actions taken by Prime Minister Modi, which honor figures like Veer Gundadhur from Bastar and the establishment of “Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas” on Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary, reflect this commitment to acknowledging and uplifting tribal contributions in India’s historical narrative.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized previous governments for their ineffective approach to poverty alleviation, highlighting their “Garibi Hatao” slogan that yielded little progress over 75 years. In stark contrast, he praised Prime Minister Modi’s government for substantial achievements in uplifting the poor, including the construction of over 4 crore houses, provision of 11 crore gas connections, the building of 12 crore toilets, delivery of tap water to 15 crore homes, distribution of free rations to 80 crore individuals, and offering free medical treatment up to 5 lakh rupees for 70 crore citizens.
Amit Shah emphasized that those who understand the importance of education and technology over violence have opted for surrender, with 521 Naxalites having given up their activities this year and 881 in the previous year. He expressed optimism that those who abandon violence can reintegrate into society, while warning that security forces will strictly address those who continue to engage in violent actions. Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating Naxalism across the country by March 2026.
He highlighted the transformation of Bastar from a place of dread to a beacon of future potential. Politicians who once faced restrictions due to Naxalite threats can now hold public events amidst large crowds. Festivals like Ram Navami and the Bastar Pandum are now celebrated openly, signifying a change in the region’s atmosphere. Shah painted a picture of progress—where the sound of gunfire has been replaced by machinery, educational institutions are flourishing, roads are being constructed, and children no longer fear schooling, as they are now engaging with technology.
Amit Shah asserted that Bastar is witnessing a hopeful trajectory of development, characterized by trust and victory over fear. To promote the surrender of Naxalites and pave the way for further advancement, he called for increased community dialogues, urging local assemblies to foster discussions. He underscored the importance of local aspirations, envisioning a future where individuals from regions like Sukma and Bastar achieve professional success in law enforcement, healthcare, and civil services.
Shah urged collective efforts aimed at making these developmental dreams a reality, assuring that with Modi’s leadership, there is no reason for fear in pursuing progress. The focus, he indicated, should be on harnessing local talent and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive without the shadow of Naxalism.
