President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday inaugurated Bastar Pandum 2026, a vibrant three-day tribal cultural festival, at Jagdalpur in Chhattisgarh, marking a celebration of the region’s rich indigenous heritage alongside a powerful message of transformation from conflict to peace and progress.
Held at the historic Lalbagh Ground, the festival brings together the art, traditions, and harmonious way of life of Bastar’s tribal communities. Addressing the gathering, the President described Pandum as a celebration deeply woven into the rhythm of life in the fertile region.
“When farmers sow seeds in this land, it is Pandum. When the mango season arrives, it is Pandum. The people of Bastar celebrate every aspect of life,” she said, noting that people across the country could draw inspiration from this joyful, nature-aligned worldview.
From Maoist Shadow To Peace And Rehabilitation
While acknowledging the magnetic appeal of Bastar’s culture and traditions, President Murmu reflected on the heavy price paid by the region during nearly four decades of Maoist insurgency.
“The youth, tribals, and Dalit brothers and sisters suffered immensely due to the atmosphere of insecurity, fear, and mistrust,” she said.
She credited decisive action by the Union government against Maoist terror for gradually dismantling this environment, enabling many associated with the movement to abandon violence and rejoin the mainstream.
Highlighting the rising number of surrenders in Chhattisgarh, the President underlined government efforts to ensure that rehabilitated individuals are able to live normal and dignified lives through welfare schemes.
Commending the Chhattisgarh government’s Niyad Nellanar Yojana, she pointed to visible signs of renewal across Bastar — electricity, roads, and drinking water reaching remote villages, long-shut schools reopening, and children returning to classrooms.
“This is a very encouraging picture that brings joy to all citizens,” she remarked.
President Murmu also appealed to those who have renounced violence to place full faith in the Constitution and democracy, work with dedication, and remain alert against any forces attempting to derail their journey towards peace.
Education, Development And Preserving Heritage
Emphasising inclusive development, the President said uplifting the poor, deprived, and backward sections remains a priority of the Union government. She cited initiatives such as PM-JANMAN Yojana and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, which aim to deliver development benefits directly to the most marginalised tribal regions.
Education formed a central theme of her address. Describing it as the foundation of both individual and societal progress, President Murmu highlighted the role of Eklavya Model Residential Schools in providing quality education in tribal areas.
She urged parents and guardians to prioritise their children’s education, saying it would help secure a brighter future for Chhattisgarh and the country.
Paying tribute to Bastar’s enduring traditions, she referred to Bastar Dussehra, dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari, as a unique symbol of tribal culture and brotherhood. The President encouraged the people to embrace development while preserving their cultural heritage.
Noting the region’s abundant natural resources and the hardworking nature of its people, particularly the youth, she called upon them to fully utilise Central and state welfare schemes for personal and regional advancement, contributing to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
The event was attended by Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and other dignitaries.
