Raipur । Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai attended an event organised by Janjati Gaurav Samaj to commemorate Rani Durgavati’s Martyrdom Day at Rajmohini Devi Sabha Bhawan in Ambikapur on June 24. He hailed Rani Durgavati as a symbol of tribal pride and stated that her patriotism and struggle continue to inspire everyone. Shri Sai emphasised that under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, the government is making every effort to strengthen the spirit of tribal pride. He shared that a grand memorial for Rani Durgavati has been constructed in Jabalpur. The Chief Minister also highlighted that President Smt. Draupadi Murmu, who hails from the tribal community, holds the highest office in the country. It is a matter of pride for the tribal community. He praised the efforts of Janjati Gaurav Samaj for organising an excellent program on Rani Durgavati’s Martyrdom Day and expressed his gratitude for being present at the event.
Continuing his address, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai emphasised the deep-rooted tradition of respecting women in Indian culture. He cited a Sanskrit phrase from ancient scriptures: “Yatra Naryastu Pujyante, Ramante Tatra Devata,” which translates to “Where women are worshipped, there the gods reside.” The Chief Minister elaborated on this concept, stating, “Whenever we chant the name of our deities, we first call upon the name of the mother.” He provided examples from the Hindu tradition, stating, “We say ‘Sita Ram’ and ‘Radhe Shyam,’ always remembering the mother first in our invocations.”
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai took the opportunity to commemorate the sacrificial traditions of the tribal community, emphasising their crucial role in India’s fight for independence. He stated, “Whether it was Birsa Munda, Gundadhur, or Veer Narayan Singh, the sacrifices of these great tribal leaders contributed significantly to our nation’s freedom.” Shri Sai highlighted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has consistently underlined the contributions of tribal communities to India’s proud heritage.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai emphasised that there is no shortage of opportunities for children from tribal and underprivileged communities who wish to pursue higher education. He stated, “Our state operates 14 Prayas Residential Schools. These are residential institutions, and our children can prepare for competitive examinations such as NEET and JEE in these institutions.”
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai announced that the government is continuously working to shape the dreams of youth from tribal communities. He stated, “For those aspiring to become collectors, SPs, or preparing for civil service examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission in Delhi, we are operating a Tribal Youth Hostel in New Delhi. The administration has increased the hostel’s capacity significantly. Initially, the hostel had 50 seats. After meeting with the youth there, we have increased it to 185 seats.” He stated, “The government will bear the coaching expenses for these students.”
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has assured comprehensive support for tribal youth in their chosen career paths. He stated “Whatever field our children choose after completing their education, the government will stand by them to help and guide them in all areas. Our government is dedicated to the development of the Bastar and Surguja regions.” He also mentioned that security camps in Bastar have been expanded, a measure expected to pave the way for development in sensitive areas.
At the event commemorating Rani Durgavati’s sacrifice, Agriculture Minister Shri Ram Vichar Netam stated ” During her reign, Rani Durgavati followed the ideals of Ram Rajya and inspired the entire nation with her sacrifice.” Shri Netam also emphasised Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s initiatives, such as the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana, which have significantly accelerated development in tribal areas. Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade attended the event as well. Shri Babru Wahan, President of Sanatan Sant Samaj Ashram Samarbar; Shri Sohan Singh, Sah Prant Prayojak of Janjati Suraksha Manch Prant Mahakoshal; and Shri Parmeshwar Singh Markam, President of Janjati Gaurav Samaj, were also addressed the people.
Following a seminar, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai shared a meal with Swachhata Didi, served on plates and bowls made from Sarai leaves. The members of the Janjati Gaurav Samaj served meals to Chief Minister Shri Sai and other dignitaries. Agriculture Minister Shri Ram Vichar Netam and Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade also participated in the meal with the Chief Minister and Swachhata Didi. During the event, the Chief Minister instructed officials to install water coolers in all 20 SLRM centres and distributed Swachhata kits to the Swachhata Didis. Additionally, he addressed the community’s request for a community hall by announcing Rs. 50 lakh for its construction and assured that the construction would commence soon.
Director of Mata Rajmohini Devi Seva Ashram Smt. Ram Bai, MLA from Pratappur Smt. Shakuntala Porte, MLA from Kusmi Smt. Uddheshwari Paikra, Former MP Shri Kamal Bhan Singh, Former Minister Shri Ram Sevak Paikra, Surguja Divisional Commissioner Shri G.R. Churendra, Inspector General of Police Shri Ankit Garg, Collector Shri Vilas Bhoskar, SP Shri Yogesh Patel, and various public representatives and people were present.
