President of India Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Bastar Pandum 2026 festival at Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, on February 7.
Addressing the gathering, the President praised the people of Bastar for celebrating every aspect of life through Pandum. She said the traditions and culture of Bastar inspire others, while acknowledging the region’s painful history of Maoist violence. Murmu noted that decisive government action has reduced insecurity, with many Maoists surrendering and returning to the mainstream.
She highlighted welfare schemes such as Niyad Nellanar Yojana, which empower villagers, and pointed out that electricity, roads, water, and schools are now reaching every village. The President urged those who abandoned violence to trust the Constitution and democracy, and to move forward with dedication.
Murmu emphasised the government’s focus on uplifting poor, deprived, and tribal communities through initiatives like PM-JANMAN Yojana and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. She stressed that education is the cornerstone of development, citing Eklavya Model Residential Schools as vital for tribal children.
She also praised Bastar’s vibrant traditions, including the famous Bastar Dussehra dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari, and urged people to embrace development while preserving their rich heritage. Murmu called upon the youth to take advantage of welfare schemes, stressing that their progress is crucial for Chhattisgarh and for Viksit Bharat.
