In a heartfelt interaction at his official residence, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed 96 young men and women from remote and Naxal-affected villages of Bijapur district under the ‘Niyad Nella Nar’ scheme. Hailing from Gram Panchayats of the Bastar region, this marked the first-ever visit to the state capital Raipur for many of the participants. The Chief Minister warmly greeted them and wished that their journey remain pleasant and inspiring.
Mr. Sai emphasized that the Bastar region is now on the cusp of a historic transformation. “With will, sensitivity and inclusive policy, we have made a new beginning of change in Bastar. The self-confidence of Bastar’s youth is our greatest inspiration,” he said. He credited the ongoing government efforts under the ‘Niyad Nella Nar’ scheme for providing young people with a renewed identity and pathway toward self-reliance and dignity.
Eradicating Naxalism by 2026 a National Priority
The Chief Minister reassured the youth that both the state and Union governments are united in their mission to bring lasting peace to the region. He noted that Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah has set a target to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026. “Maoists do not want your region to develop. But we will overcome every hurdle that stands in the way of Bastar’s progress,” Mr. Sai stated.
He also described Bastar’s natural beauty, fertile land, and agricultural potential, asserting that the government is working to expand irrigation access and ensure farmers can prosper. He encouraged youth to pursue agriculture, education, and skill development to play a vital role in the region’s growth.
Cultural Revival and Participation: Symbols of a New Bastar
Highlighting cultural festivals like ‘Bastar Olympics’ and ‘Bastar Pandum’, Mr. Sai called them expressions of the region’s vibrant spirit. He said the participation of thousands of youth, women, and children in these events is a strong message to the world that Bastar is moving forward, rejecting violence in favor of peace, culture, and development.
“Bastar has always stood for bravery, patience, and self-respect. Together, we will now take it forward on the path of development and prosperity,” said the Chief Minister, stressing that the government is committed to preserving the region’s unique art, culture, and heritage.
Youth as Agents of Transformation
The Chief Minister urged the youth to join the mainstream and become catalysts for positive change in society. He stated that various government schemes in education, sports, and skill training are being implemented to offer every young person a fresh opportunity in life.
The visiting youth shared their aspirations and feedback during the interaction. They expressed gratitude for the ‘Niyad Nella Nar’ initiative, which they said has given them new direction and confidence. “We want to transform Bastar through education, sports, skills, and service. We want to be partners in the region’s development,” the young participants said.
Senior Officials Present
Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap, Chief Secretary Mr. Amitabh Jain (1989-batch IAS officer), Director General of Police Mr. Arun Dev Gautam (1992-batch IPS officer), and other senior officials attended the session, reaffirming the state’s collective commitment to building a secure and prosperous Bastar through youth empowerment and grassroots development.
