Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, 09 February 2026 — Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today attended the closing ceremony of Bastar Pandum 2026 as the Chief Guest, alongside Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma. Addressing a packed gathering, Shri Shah said Bastar’s identity is not “Barud” (gunpowder) but its rich culture and heritage, and asserted that the region is rapidly moving away from the fear of Naxalism toward development, dignity, and opportunity.
Culture Over Conflict: 55,000 Tribal Participants Lead a Revival
Shri Amit Shah highlighted that 55,000 tribal participants from seven districts, 1,885 gram panchayats, and 32 blocks took part across 12 categories—including cuisine, songs, dance, drama, attire, traditions, and forest-based medicines—demonstrating a powerful cultural resurgence. He noted that while earlier editions covered seven categories, the expansion to twelve reflects the state government’s renewed push to celebrate and preserve Bastar’s living heritage.
Calling Bastar’s art and culture unparalleled among tribal regions globally, the Home Minister said these traditions are not only Bastar’s pride but a jewel in India’s cultural crown, and that the festival has elevated their national profile.
A National Vision: Taking Bastar’s Culture to the World
Reiterating Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision, Shri Shah said the aim is to showcase Bastar’s culture to the nation and the world. He emphasized that the Modi government is fully committed to the protection of tribal communities and to giving global recognition to Bastar’s dances, arts, and traditions. He also recalled the declaration of Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary as Tribal Pride Day and the 150th birth anniversary as the Year of Tribal Pride as a testament to the government’s respect for tribal heritage.
He added that the Centre has supported branding and marketing of around five lakh forest products and traditional handicrafts, expanding livelihood opportunities rooted in culture.
Honouring Tribal Excellence and National Recognition
Shri Shah noted that eminent personalities from the region—Pandit Ram Mandavi (Narayanpur), Hemchand Manjhi and Ajay Kumar Mandavi (Kanker), and Bhudhari Dati (Dantewada)—have received Padma awards in art, health, and education. He also referenced the ₹200 crore Tribal Museum initiative to preserve the legacy of tribal leaders of India’s freedom struggle.
He thanked the President of India for gracing the festival earlier and announced that winners from all 12 categories would be invited to Rashtrapati Bhavan to showcase Bastar’s culture—an honour he described as a milestone for the community.
Security, Rehabilitation, and a Firm Stand Against Violence
The Home Minister stated that the core of the fight against Naxalism is the protection of tribal farmers, children, and women. He appealed to remaining Naxalites to lay down arms, assuring dignified rehabilitation for those who surrender, while warning that violence will be met with a firm response. He urged families to send daughters for rehabilitation, stressing their future opportunities.
Development Roadmap: Jobs, Infrastructure, and Connectivity
Shri Shah outlined a comprehensive development push:
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Bastar to become the most developed tribal region in five years, with tourism—adventure tourism, homestays, canopy walks, glass bridges—creating jobs.
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Reopening of schools, primary health centres, and hospitals; construction of higher secondary schools and colleges.
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Expansion of roads, mobile towers, post offices, and banking access; Tricolour hoisted in villages after decades.
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Paddy procurement at ₹3,100, 5 kg free rice per person per month, LPG connections, and tap water for households.
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A new industrial area and auto gig hub over 118 acres to generate employment for tribal youth.
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Raoghat–Jagdalpur rail project (₹3,500 crore) underway; river-linking initiatives; vocational training for 90,000+ youth; a new Indravati River irrigation project to also generate 120 MW of power.
He added that the curfew-like atmosphere has ended, with night-time village dances now visible—symbolising a return to normalcy and confidence.
Conclusion
The Bastar Pandum 2026 finale marked more than a cultural celebration—it signalled a culture-led, development-first transformation of Bastar. With mass participation, a firm security stance paired with rehabilitation, and a wide-ranging infrastructure and jobs agenda, the government aims to replace fear with opportunity and establish Bastar as a beacon of tribal heritage, tourism, and inclusive growth—aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision to take Bastar’s culture to India and the world.
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Source: PIB
