- Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji formed three new states, including Chhattisgarh, exemplifying unity and brotherhood”: Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar
- Governor Shri Ramen Deka praised Chief Minister Shri Sai’s efforts for the holistic development of Chhattisgarh
- “Dream of Chhattisgarh for being a developed state will be realised with the participation of every citizen”: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai
- Chief Minister Shri Sai announced a new initiative to support folk artists of Chhattisgarh
- Chief Minister Shri Sai announced that the maximum program approval limit increased from 10 to 20 for ‘A’ category artists and from 12 to 24 for ‘B’ category artists
- Chief Minister Shri Sai announced that a maximum of 3 renowned art experts would be included as non-official members in each grading committee meeting
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar attended the closing ceremony of the 3-day Rajyotsav-2024 and honoured the recipient of the State Award (Rajya Alankaran 2024) on November 6. In his address, Vice President Shri Dhankhar stated that the participation of every citizen is necessary for making India a developed nation, and Chhattisgarh will play a significant role in achieving this. He stated that Chhattisgarh is an exemplary state for the country, where new benchmarks of development are being set under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai.
Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar stated that the new century marked the beginning of Chhattisgarh’s remarkable journey, which has brought the state to this proud milestone. He congratulated the people, affirming that the saying “Chhattisgarhiya Sable Badiya” still holds true, as the people of Chhattisgarh bring it to life. Expressing his pride in attending the ceremony, he emphasised Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural heritage, adding, “Our commitment to the nation and our Indianness is our identity.” He stated that the state’s distinct identity was established in 2000 and fondly remembered former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, crediting his compassionate leadership and national interest. With his vision, Vajpayee Ji created three new states, including Chhattisgarh, exemplifying unity and brotherhood.
The Vice President praised Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai for the gesture of inviting the neighbouring state’s Chief Minister, setting a benchmark for collaboration. He highlighted that next year will usher Chhattisgarh into its golden era, aligning with India’s Amrit Kaal, and encouraged citizens to honour the nation’s great heritage and heroes. He paid tribute to freedom fighters like Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, whose sacrifices are remembered with respect, especially during Tribal Day, which honours their enduring impact. He emphasised that India’s ancient culture, thousands of years old, is uniquely inclusive and should be protected from external influences. He called for vigilance against forces that may target tribal communities and underscored the importance of preserving this cultural heritage.
He commended the government’s efforts in addressing naxalism, a priority for both Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and former Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh. He stated that the state’s stability and policies have opened doors for young people, affirming that Chhattisgarh’s and India’s progress are intertwined. Highlighting the state’s wealth of resources, he praised the impact of Chhattisgarh’s natural assets, like the iron ore of Bastar and the coal of Korba, on India’s industrial growth. Known as the “rice bowl of India,” Chhattisgarh is playing a leading role in national development.
The Vice President encouraged citizens to view the state’s progress within a national framework, where state and national interests are interdependent. He congratulated Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on the ongoing development achievements and expressed confidence in Chhattisgarh’s continued contributions to India’s success.
Vice President Shri Dhankhar further stated that “Constitution Day is approaching, and today’s generation needs to recognise its significance. Our Constitution is a vital foundation, anchoring our future, and we commemorate its importance every November 26. Every citizen should understand the value of the Constitution and commit to upholding its ideals. We must resist any attempt to alter its essence. The Emergency was a dark period in our history, with democratic rights suspended for 21 months. The extent of the crisis was severe, with countless citizens imprisoned, and the younger generation must know about this challenging phase.”
He stated “Chhattisgarh is home to premier institutions like IITs and IIMs, along with a prestigious university with which I am affiliated. The state is working to create policies that empower youth, women, and all segments of society to build a brighter future. Efforts have brought greater administrative transparency, and initiatives aim to empower every section of society. The recently developed industrial policy is set to meet the aspirations of young people. With the numerous schemes launched by the state and the Centre, young entrepreneurs can now achieve success while contributing to others’ growth.”
Governor Shri Ramen Deka, originally from Assam, remarked that “Chhattisgarh and Assam share many similarities as states rich in natural resources, with 44% of Chhattisgarh covered by forests. Praising Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai’s commitment to sustainable development, he stated that the state has achieved remarkable growth across sectors like education, agriculture, and health in the 24 years since its formation. As a young state, our aim is holistic growth—not just economic but all-encompassing—where every citizen can thrive. We must all work towards realising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047, a goal in which every citizen, especially the youth, plays an enthusiastic part. Women’s contributions are essential to Chhattisgarh’s progress, and initiatives like the Mahtari Vandan Yojana are ensuring women gain a respected place in society.”
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai began his address by congratulating the distinguished recipients of the state awards, mentioning that Shri Butle Ram Mathra Ji from Narayanpur is among the awardees, whom the Prime Minister also praised in his ‘Mann ki Baat’ program. He stated that “Rajyotsav symbolises the unity and integrity of the 3 crore people of Chhattisgarh. Over the past two days, we’ve celebrated Chhattisgarh’s achievements over its 24-year journey, but today is an occasion to look toward our future and pledge to reach new heights of development.” The Chief Minister shared that next year we will celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the state’s founding as they move toward a golden future, envisioning Chhattisgarh’s journey to its Golden Jubilee. He acknowledged the vital role of women, sharing that initiatives like the Mahtari Vandan Yojana have empowered women both economically and socially, a crucial step for the state’s empowerment.
He shared that as peace is established in tribal areas, the foundations of democracy grow stronger, affirming that there is no place for violence on Chhattisgarh’s sacred land. The state remains resolute in its fight against Naxalism. He further shared that to integrate Bastar’s youth with the mainstream and spotlight local sports talent, the state is organising the Bastar Olympics. Addressing farmers, tribals, labourers, women, youth, and all citizens, the Chief Minister urged them to become partners in Chhattisgarh’s economic, social, and cultural development, aspiring to make the dream of a developed Chhattisgarh a reality.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai announced a new initiative to support folk artists. He declared the establishment of a special ‘A1’ grade for state award-winning artists in fields like art, music, dance, drama, and singing. This initiative, under the “Chhattisgarh Kalakar Panjiyan Bhugtan Niyam 2021,” aims to promote Chhattisgarh’s folk artists and showcase the state’s rich folk culture both within India and internationally.
Additionally, he announced an increase in the maximum approved program limit for ‘A’ category artists from 10 to 20 and for ‘B’ category artists from 12 to 24. To further support these efforts, he declared that a maximum of three esteemed art experts would be included as non-official members in each Grading Committee meeting.
On this occasion, Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh addressed the gathering, highlighting Chhattisgarh’s remarkable achievements across various sectors, from food security to skill development. He noted that while Chhattisgarh was once associated with migration, the introduction of the ‘one rupee per kg of rice’ scheme transformed this narrative, significantly reducing migration from the state. Today, Chhattisgarh is home to prestigious institutions like IITs and IIMs, as well as 14 medical colleges. Dr. Singh extended heartfelt congratulations to all citizens on State Foundation Day.
Chief Secretary Shri Amitabh Jain, DGP Shri Ashok Juneja, along with other dignitaries and officials, were present.
source: https://dprcg.gov.in