**Executive Summary**
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the Bastar Pandum 2026 in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh on February 7, 2026. The President highlighted the region's rich culture and ongoing efforts to address Maoist terror and promote development. She emphasized the importance of education and urged citizens to embrace progress while preserving their heritage.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Inauguration:** The President inaugurated Bastar Pandum 2026.
* **Bastar's Culture:** Bastar’s culture and traditions are a celebration of every aspect of life.
* **Maoist Influence:** The region was plagued by Maoism for four decades, negatively impacting the youth, tribals, and Dalit communities.
* **Government Action:** Due to decisive government action, Maoist terror is declining, and those abandoning violence are returning to normal lives.
* **Rehabilitation and Development:** The government is ensuring those who have surrendered can lead normal lives through development and welfare schemes, like the 'Niyad Nellanar Yojana.'
* **Improved Infrastructure:** Electricity, roads, and water facilities are becoming available, and schools are reopening.
* **Call to Faith:** The President urged those who abandoned violence to have faith in the Constitution and democracy.
* **Government Priorities:** The welfare of the poor, deprived, and backward classes is a priority, with programs like PM-JANMAN Yojana and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan providing benefits.
* **Education Emphasis:** The President emphasized education, highlighting the establishment of Eklavya Model Residential Schools.
* **Preservation of Culture:** The President emphasized the importance of preserving the rich heritage of Chhattisgarh, citing the Bastar Dussehra as an example.
* **Call to Youth:** The President urged the youth to utilize welfare and development schemes for progress.
**Impact Analysis**
**Citizens of Bastar, Chhattisgarh**
* **Impact:** Positive impact through improved infrastructure, access to education, welfare schemes, and decreased Maoist influence.
* **Action Required:** Embrace development while preserving cultural heritage and participate in government schemes.
**Youth of Bastar, Chhattisgarh**
* **Impact:** Positive impact through improved educational opportunities and increased access to welfare and development schemes.
* **Action Required:** Take advantage of available welfare and development schemes and pursue education for individual and community development.
**Former Maoists**
* **Impact:** Opportunity to reintegrate into society and lead normal lives.
* **Action Required:** Have faith in the Constitution, abandon violence, and participate in government rehabilitation programs.
**Parents and Guardians**
* **Impact:** Encouraged to send children to school to brighten the future of Chhattisgarh and India.
* **Action Required:** Educate their children and provide the best education possible to ensure the future is bright.
Key Entities Referenced
Bastar Pandum 2026: A cultural festival in the Bastar region inaugurated by the President of India.
Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh: The specific location where Bastar Pandum 2026 took place, central to understanding the event's geographical context.
Niyad Nellanar Yojana: A welfare scheme implemented by the state government of Chhattisgarh to empower villagers, particularly relevant in the context of the President's address.
PM-JANMAN Yojana: A government program aimed at the welfare of poor and deprived classes, mentioned in the context of development in tribal villages.
Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: A government scheme facilitating development benefits to deprived tribal villages.
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA INAUGURATES BASTAR
PANDUM 2026 AT JAGDALPUR
Posted On: 07 FEB 2026 3:35PM by PIB Delhi
The President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Bastar Pandum 2026 at Jagdalpur,
Chhattisgarh today (February 7, 2026).
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that with when farmers sow seeds in this fertile land, it is
Pandum. When the mango season arrives, it is Pandum. The people of Bastar celebrate every aspect of
life. She said that others can learn this way of life from the people of Bastar.
The President said that the traditions and culture of Bastar have always attracted people, but unfortunately,
this region was plagued by Maoism for four decades. As a result, people here suffered immensely. The
youth, tribals, and Dalit brothers and sisters were the worst affected. But, due to the decisive action taken
by the Government of India against Maoist terror, the atmosphere of insecurity, fear, and mistrust that
prevailed for years is now coming to an end. Those associated with Maoism are abandoning the path of
violence, bringing peace back to the lives of the citizens.
The President noted that a large number of people in Chhattisgarh, who were previously involved in
Maoist terror, have surrendered. She underlined that the government is ensuring that those who have laid
down arms and returned to the mainstream can lead normal lives. Many development and welfare schemes
are being implemented for them. The state government's 'Niyad Nellanar Yojana' is playing a significant
role in empowering the villagers. She was happy to note that a new dawn of development is breaking inBastar. Electricity, roads, and water facilities are becoming available in every village. Schools that had
been closed for years are reopening, and children are attending classes. She said that this is a very
encouraging picture that is bringing joy to all citizens.
The President appreciated all those who have abandoned the path of violence and returned to the
mainstream and urged them to have complete faith in the Constitution and democracy of the country. She
said that they should have trust in the democratic system and move forward with hard work and
dedication. She emphasised that the welfare of the poor, deprived and backward classes is a special
priority for the government. Through programs like the PM-JANMAN Yojana and the Dharti Aaba
Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, benefits of development are reaching the most deprived tribal villages.
The President said that education is the cornerstone of individual and community development. Eklavya
Model Residential Schools have been established in tribal areas so that children from these regions can
receive a good education. She urged all parents and guardians to educate their children. She said that this
is how the future of Chhattisgarh and India will become bright.The President said that the ancient traditions of Chhattisgarh remain deeply rooted and vibrant even today.
The Bastar Dussehra, dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari, is a unique example of tribal culture and
brotherhood. We must draw inspiration from our glorious history to build a bright future. She urged people
to embrace development while preserving their rich heritage.
The President said that the Bastar region is blessed with abundant natural resources. The people of the
region are dedicated and hardworking. She urged the people of the region, especially the youth, to take
advantage of the welfare and development schemes being implemented by the state and central
governments. She said that their progress and prosperity are crucial for the progress of Chhattisgarh and
for Viksit Bharat.
Please click here to see the President's Speech-
***
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