Raipur: Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated the ‘Pandum Cafe’ in Jagdalpur today, a pioneering initiative aimed at the rehabilitation of victims of Naxal violence and surrendered members. Located in the Police Line premises, the cafe marks a major step toward providing respectable and sustainable livelihoods for those returning to the mainstream from the path of violence.
A Symbol of Transformation and Hope
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mr. Sai described the cafe as an inspiring symbol of positive change in the fight against Naxalism in Bastar. He said:
“Pandum Cafe is a shining symbol of hope, progress, and peace. The youth working here, both victims of Naxalite violence and former cadres, have now embarked on the path of peace.”
The initiative not only offers employment but also intensive training in hospitality, cafe management, customer service, hygiene, food safety, and entrepreneurship skills, empowering participants to rebuild their lives with dignity.
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Stories of Courage and New Beginnings
During the inauguration, the Chief Minister interacted with several employees, including Fagni from Narayanpur, Pushpa Thakur from Sukma, Birendra Thakur, Ashmati from Bastar, and Premila Baghel, who shared their inspiring journeys.
A former Maoist cadre emotionally reflected:
“We saw darkness in our past. Today, we have this opportunity to serve society; it’s a new birth for us. Serving coffee instead of gunpowder and living off our hard-earned money—this feeling gives us peace and dignity.”
Another worker added:
“Before, we couldn’t even dream of providing a respectable life for our families. Now, we can secure our family’s future with our hard-earned money. All this has been made possible by the administration and this café.”
The participants also emphasized the role of police and district administration in facilitating trust, training, and integration with the community, helping them atone for past actions and establish peace.
Cultural Roots and Community Significance
The name ‘Pandum’ reflects the cultural heritage of Bastar, while its tagline, “Where every cup tells a story”, symbolizes that each cup served carries a narrative of courage, resilience, and a new beginning.
Dignitaries Present at the Inauguration
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including:
- Forest Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap
- Education Minister Mr. Gajendra Yadav
- MP Mr. Mahesh Kashyap
- Jagdalpur MLA Mr. Kiran Singh Deo
- Chitrakoot MLA Mr. Vinayak Goyal
- Beverage Corporation Chairman Mr. Srinivas Rao Maddi
- Scheduled Tribe Commission Chairman Mr. Roop Singh Mandavi
- Jagdalpur Mayor Mr. Sanjay Pandey
- District Panchayat Chairperson Vedvati Kashyap
- Divisional Commissioner Mr. Doman Singh
- Inspector General of Police Mr. Sundarraj P.
- Collector Mr. Haris S.
- Superintendent of Police Mr. Shalabh Sinha
along with other public representatives and senior administrative officers.
