Surguja: President Draupadi Murmu said that across the country, including Chhattisgarh, left-wing extremists are abandoning extremism and joining the mainstream. With the well-planned and well-organized efforts of the central and state governments, the left wing will be eradicated in the near future. The central and state governments are jointly taking several steps to achieve this. This is a satisfactory change.
The President said, “More than 165,000 participants took part in the Bastar Olympics. This is a matter of great joy. I am confident that by following the ideals of tribal heroes, the residents of Chhattisgarh will make an invaluable contribution to a strong, self-reliant, and developed India.”
President Draupadi Murmu, who arrived in Surguja to attend the Tribal Pride Day celebrations, made these remarks. President Murmu, who arrived at Ambikapur Airport by a special plane, was welcomed by Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai.
Upon arriving at the Tribal Pride Day celebrations, Governor Ramen Deka welcomed President Murmu with a mural. Mural painting is created in the Surguja region of Chhattisgarh. It depicts tribal communities by carving clay figures on walls. CM Sai then presented a bronze statue of Lord Birsa Munda to the President. A tribal dance performance followed, which pleased the President.
Honoring Tribal Leaders and Artists: The President then honored tribal leaders. Jan Singh Gond, a descendant of a freedom fighter, was honored. Rammuni Devi, a descendant of Mata Rajmuni Devi, was honored. Several other tribal artists were honored.
Began Speech in Chhattisgarhi: Upon arriving at the Tribal Pride Day celebrations, President Draupadi Murmu began her address in Chhattisgarhi, drawing applause throughout the ceremony. She said that on November 1st, Chhattisgarh celebrated its 25th anniversary of its silver jubilee. Many congratulations to all the people of the state. One-third of Chhattisgarh’s population is tribal. The development of the state and the country, and the development of tribal society, are complementary to each other.
On November 15th, the countrymen celebrated the fifth Tribal Pride Day. On this auspicious occasion, I had the privilege of offering flowers at the statue of Dharti Aba Birsa Munda in Parliament House. I also had the honor of visiting Birsa Munda’s birthplace and village, Ulihatu, in Jharkhand, to offer garlands at his statue on November 15, 2022. That experience will remain etched in my memory forever.
President Praises CM Sai and Chhattisgarh: The President further said, “This year, the Chhattisgarh State Government celebrated the Tribal Pride Fortnight from November 1st to 15th. I commend the Chhattisgarh Government and CM Sai for this. PM Modi inaugurated the Tribal Leader Martyr Veer Narayan Museum in Naya Raipur. This museum will serve as a source of inspiration for the people of the state.”
Draupadi Murmu said, “The contribution of the tribal community is a glorious chapter in India’s history. India is the mother of democracy. Examples of this can be seen in the ancient republic as well as the primitive people’s parliament called the Muria Darbar in Bastar.”
“Chhattisgarh and Odisha share a bond of bread and daughter:” The President said, “I feel a sense of belonging in Chhattisgarh. Odisha and Jharkhand are about 200 kilometers away. I have visited Chhattisgarh several times before entering politics. The relationship between Odisha and Chhattisgarh is a bond of bread and daughter. That is why our friendship has endured. I spent most of my life in Odisha. I served as Governor of Jharkhand. Tribal heritage is deeply rooted in many states, including Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand. A synergy between rich tribal heritage and modern heritage is visible in this community.”
She further said, “Coming from the helipad, I could see the tribal society and traditions. I want to thank the tribal brothers and sisters of Chhattisgarh who have preserved their culture. This is our identity, this is our heritage. Our culture must survive. I too am a daughter of the tribal community. I am proud to be a woman and to have been born in the tribal society. If women progress, society will progress.”
Many programs are being organized during the 151st birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda. Birsa Munda was a hero who had made the British suffer. The British could only see Birsa Munda day and night. Tribal society must be promoted and our culture must be strengthened. President Draupadi Murmu said that many works are being done for the tribal society in Chhattisgarh. The President praised the Chhattisgarh state song.
