In a vibrant celebration of tribal heritage, Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai participated in the Nature Festival Bhado Ekadashi Vrat-2025 Karma Tihar, organized by the Chhattisgarh Adivasi Kanwar Samaj Youth Division at his residence in Nava Raipur. The Chief Minister began the event with traditional worship rituals, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural traditions as a moral responsibility for future generations.
Preserving Tribal Culture and Traditions
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Sai said, “Our culture is an invaluable heritage of our ancestors. It is our duty to protect and promote it.” He explained that Karma Tihar plays an important role in strengthening bonds of unity, harmony, and affection within society. Highlighting the different forms of Karma Tihar celebrated in tribal communities, the Chief Minister mentioned Ekadashi Karma Tihar for unmarried daughters, Dussehra Karma for married daughters, and Jiyut Putrika Karma where mothers fast for the well-being of their children.
Honouring Tribal Contribution to Freedom and Development
Mr. Sai underlined the significant contribution of tribal society in India’s freedom struggle, noting that Chhattisgarh witnessed 12 tribal revolts against the British. To honour this legacy, the state government is establishing models of tribal heroes in the Tribal Museum at Naya Raipur, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi during the silver jubilee of Chhattisgarh’s statehood.
He also acknowledged the contributions of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in creating the Tribal Ministry, former Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh in accelerating regional development, and Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi for schemes like Dharti Aaba Janjati Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and PM Janman Yojana that ensure full benefits to tribal communities.
Empowering Tribal Youth and Promoting Education
Emphasizing youth empowerment, Mr. Sai said a new industry policy has been introduced with special concessions for Bastar and Surguja regions to encourage self-employment among tribals. He added that new educational institutions of national and international standards are being set up within the state to ensure that tribal children have easy access to quality education.
Leaders Stress Cultural Pride and Nature’s Role
Forest Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap said that Karma Tihar is a celebration of the rich tribal tradition of harmony with nature, recalling that under Mr. Sai’s leadership, the Bastar Pandum Olympics showcased tribal culture at a national level.
Ms. Kaushalya Sai, wife of the Chief Minister, emphasized the deep relationship between tribal society and nature. She noted that Karma Tihar reflects love for nature and called upon women to actively participate in the preservation and promotion of cultural traditions.
The program was also attended by Health Minister Mr. Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Women and Child Development Minister Ms. Laxmi Rajwade, School Education Minister Mr. Gajendra Yadav, Technical Education and Employment Minister Mr. Guru Khuswant Saheb, Tourism and Culture Minister Mr. Rajesh Agarwal, Raipur MP Mr. Brijmohan Agarwal, MLA Mr. Ram Kumar Toppo, MLA Mr. Asharam Netam, and other dignitaries.
