'Bastar Pandum' a vibrant celebration of Bastar's traditions and identity: President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan
New Delhi, July 20
A delegation from Bastar Mandal, comprising winners of Bastar Pandum 2026 -- Pargana Manjhi and Chalaki of Bastar, met President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in the national capital on Thursday.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, were also present during the occasion.
In her address, the President described Bastar Pandum as more than a cultural festival, calling it a vibrant celebration of Bastar's traditions and identity.
She emphasised that its purpose is to project Bastar's cultural richness onto national and international platforms.
Events like Bastar Pandum, she noted, reconnect the youth with their heritage while simultaneously boosting tourism and generating employment opportunities.
President Murmu lauded the role of Manjhi and Chalaki in preserving social life and cultural values, describing them as vital bridges between the community and administration.
She expressed confidence that their leadership would continue to foster peace, prosperity, and happiness in society.
Highlighting the region's transformation, the President said that Bastar is moving steadily on the path of development.
She remarked that people are emerging from an environment of violence and embracing opportunities in education, employment, and infrastructure.
Roads, electricity, and drinking water are now reaching remote villages, while schools once closed are alive again with children.
This atmosphere of hope and progress, the President said, is a source of pride for the entire nation.
President Murmu also praised the talents of tribal youth in education, science, art, and sports, noting their innate abilities in athletics and creativity.
She welcomed the recent organisation of the Bastar Olympics in Chhattisgarh as a testament to this potential.
Looking ahead, the President expressed confidence that tribal communities will actively contribute to nation-building while safeguarding their cultural identity.
She urged collective efforts to empower women, children, senior citizens, and marginalised groups, while stressing the importance of conserving water, environment, and natural resources.
Strengthening cooperation and harmony, she concluded, is essential for sustaining Bastar's bright future.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's wonderful that President Murmu is shining a spotlight on Bastar's traditions. This is a smart move that balances cultural preservation with economic development. I hope this inspires similar celebrations for other tribal regions across India. The focus on youth reconnecting with heritage is particularly important.
Happy to see this positive news about Bastar. For decades we heard only about Naxal issues from that region. But now with roads, electricity, and schools reopening, real change is happening. Bastar Pandum is not just a festival - it's a symbol of hope for tribal communities. Chhattisgarh government deserves credit for this transformation. ❤️
President Murmu's emphasis on empowering women, children, and marginalized groups is exactly what's needed. But I hope the government's development efforts in Bastar include proper consultation with local tribal communities. Development shouldn't come at the cost of their traditional way of life. The balance between modernity and preservation is delicate.
As someone from Chhattisgarh, this fills me with pride. Bastar Pandum showcasing our tribal heritage at the national level is a big achievement. President Murmu ji's words about Manjhi and Chalaki being bridges between community and administration show true understanding of tribal governance systems. 🙏✨
This is a fascinating example of how India celebrates its diversity at the highest levels of government. The President highlighting Bastar Olympics and tribal youth's talents in sports and science shows recognition of their potential. More initiatives like this across India would strengthen national unity while respecting regional identities.
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