JAGDALPUR, October 23: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said Chhattisgarh was moving rapidly towards development after overcoming the prolonged challenge of Naxalism through the joint efforts of the Central and state governments.
Addressing the Bastar Dussehra Festival 2026 at Lalbag Maidan in Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Bastar district, the President said several new avenues of development were opening up in the state after years of Maoist violence.
“Chhattisgarh had grappled with the menace of Naxalism for a long time. But with the joint efforts of the Centre and the state, Chhattisgarh was freed from the menace of Naxalism and has been rapidly moving on the path of progress,” she said.
Murmu congratulated both governments on the development initiatives and said efforts to provide financial assistance to tribal entrepreneurs and connect them with markets had gained momentum.
Expressing confidence in the role of tribal communities, she said tribal youth would actively contribute to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. She stressed that development should be inclusive and provide opportunities to communities across the country.
The President also called for greater environmental protection, describing trees and plants as “living gods” because they provide essential resources such as water, air, food and medicines.
She urged people to plant and nurture more trees on agricultural land, barren land and other available spaces, emphasising that protecting forests and replenishing natural resources was a collective responsibility.
“ We have a right to use them to meet our needs, but it is also our duty to replenish what we take, preserve forests and protect hills and mountains,” she said.
Highlighting Bastar’s cultural and religious significance, Murmu referred to its association with the Ramayana and its traditional identity as Dandakaranya, linked to Lord Ram’s period of exile. She called upon people to preserve the sanctity and heritage of the region.
Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also addressed the event.
