In a significant move to highlight the rich indigenous culture of the region, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai personally extended an invitation to President Droupadi Murmu to grace a major tribal event. The meeting took place in New Delhi on Saturday, where the CM briefed the President on the state's ambitious plans for its tribal communities.
A Presidential Invitation for Cultural Showcase
During their discussion, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai formally requested President Droupadi Murmu to attend the state-level tribal cultural festival, ‘Bastar Pandum 2026’, as the chief guest. He elaborated on the festival's core mission, describing it as a crucial initiative designed to preserve and promote the unique tribal heritage of Chhattisgarh. The goal is to bring this vibrant culture to the forefront on both national and international stages.
Phased Celebration and Development Focus
The Chief Minister provided details about the festival's structure, revealing that Bastar Pandum will be held in three distinct phases, with the grand finale scheduled in Bastar itself in February 2026. This phased approach aims to create sustained engagement and a broader impact.
Beyond the cultural agenda, CM Sai also updated President Murmu on the state government's ongoing development work in tribal-dominated areas. He emphasized a balanced strategy focusing on:
- Education and Healthcare: Improving essential services in remote regions.
- Basic Infrastructure: Building roads, connectivity, and amenities.
- Cultural Integration: Ensuring that development projects include and empower tribal communities while actively protecting their distinct cultural identity and traditions.
President's Encouraging Response
President Droupadi Murmu, India's first tribal community head of state, received the invitation and the briefing with great interest. She expressed her appreciation for the concept of the Bastar Pandum festival and conveyed her best wishes for the successful organization of the event. Her support is seen as a major boost for the festival's profile and its underlying objective of celebrating India's tribal legacy.
This high-level engagement underscores the Chhattisgarh government's commitment to placing its tribal art, culture, and traditions on a prestigious platform, linking cultural preservation with inclusive development.
