"It was a moment of pride": Chhattisgarh Minister Gajendra Yadav on surrendered women Naxals ramp walk on National Handlooms Day
Raipur, August 14
Chhattisgarh Minister Gajendra Yadav hailed the ramp walk by nine rehabilitated women from Bastar, who had formerly been associated with Naxalism, as a "proud moment" on National Handloom Day. Their participation in a tribal fashion show marked their journey back into the mainstream while celebrating Bastar's rich handloom heritage and traditional craftsmanship.
While talking to ANI, Gajendra Yadav said, "This is a matter of great fortune for us that under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CM Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy CM Vijay Sharma, Chhattisgarh has become Naxal-free. Women naxals have now joined the mainstream, trusting the Govt and its schemes. On National Handloom Day on 7th August, 9 rehabilitated women naxals from Bastar, Sukma were made participants in the ramp walk. The women spoke to the CM, and they were in Raipur for the very first time. It was a great experience for all of them. It was a moment of pride for us."
The nine rehabilitated women Naxals donned handloom outfits and walked confidently on the ramp as part of the Tribal fashion show event. Their ramp walk drew huge applause from the spectators as they graced the ramp in their unique style.
The women were beautifully styled in heirloom sarees with rich traditional prints, accessorised with silver waist belts and jhumkas. Their distinctive saree drapes and neatly braided hair kept their look firmly rooted in regional culture.
In a post on X, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the women's journey from carrying weapons in the forests of Bastar to presenting the state's rich handloom heritage before the nation.
He wrote, "Those steps that were once compelled to tread the path of red terror in the remote jungles of Bastar are today striding confidently on the ramp, proudly showcasing the rich handloom heritage of Chhattisgarh before the entire nation. On the occasion of National Handloom Day, at an event organised in the capital, Raipur, daughters who have surrendered presented an inspiring picture of change, self-respect, and newfound confidence through a ramp walk in Chhattisgarh's traditional handloom attire."
"This is not merely a fashion show, but a powerful expression of the new Chhattisgarh advancing from violence to development, from fear to confidence, and from wayward lives toward a dignified future," added Vishnu Deo Sai.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While this is a positive step, I hope the government is also focusing on the root causes that led these women to join Naxalism in the first place - land rights, development in tribal areas, education, and employment. A ramp walk is symbolic, but sustained rehabilitation and livelihood opportunities are what will truly make a difference.
As someone from Bastar, this brings tears to my eyes. We've seen so much violence over the years, and seeing these women walk with confidence, wearing our traditional handloom, is a powerful symbol of hope. Proud of Chhattisgarh today! 🌸
Interesting approach to rehabilitation. It's refreshing to see initiatives that focus on cultural identity and self-esteem alongside economic reintegration. The handloom sector in India is so rich, and this kind of exposure could open up sustainable livelihoods for these women. Hope this leads to long-term opportunities.
This is wonderful news! The government deserves credit for this initiative. From carrying weapons to carrying the pride of Bastar's handloom heritage - what a transformation! The sarees look stunning, and the confidence of these women is inspiring. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
While I'm happy for these women, we need to think deeply about why they were radicalized in the first place. The government's emphasis should be on development of tribal areas - schools, hospitals, roads, and jobs. The ramp walk is nice, but let's not mistake symbolism for substantive change. There's still a long way to go.
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