Resolution to Provide Tribal Identity and Culture an International Platform
Historic Closing Ceremony of Bastar Pandum 2025 Concluded
Bastar Will Now Be Known for the Voice of Development, Not Guns – Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah
Raipur, April 5, 2025 / Bastar Pandum 2025, a symbol of tribal traditions, folk art, and cultural splendor, concluded today with a grand closing ceremony in Dantewada.
Resolution to Give Bastar Pandum National and International Recognition
In his address, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah announced that Bastar Pandum would be celebrated as a national festival from next year. He said that artists from tribal districts across the country would be invited to this festival, and Bastar’s culture would be given global recognition.
In his address at the Bastar Pandum festival, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah bowed to the tribal deities. He also paid tribute to Maharaja Praveer Chand Bhanjdev and said that he sacrificed his life to protect water, forests, land, and culture. The Union Home Minister paid tribute to freedom fighter and symbol of social justice, Babu Jagjivan Ram, on his birth anniversary and said that he dedicated his life to the rights of Dalit, backward, and tribal communities.
Participation of 47,000 Artists, Event Held Until April 5
He said that a total of 47,000 artists from 1850 gram panchayats, 12 nagar panchayats, 8 nagar parishads, and one nagar palika participated in Bastar Pandum. This festival ran from March 12 to April 5 and was organized in 7 categories this year. Next year, it will be expanded to 12 categories.
Call to Preserve Culture, Language, and Traditions
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that Bastar’s dialects, musical instruments, hymns, and traditions are the cultural heritage of not only Chhattisgarh but the entire India. He said that it is the responsibility of all of us to preserve them.
New Development Plan: Naxal-Free Villages to Receive ₹1 Crore
The Union Home Minister announced that villages that cooperate in the surrender of Naxalites will be declared “Naxal-free villages” and will be given a development fund of ₹1 crore. He appealed to hold Gram Sabha meetings and bring villages forward in the surrender process.
Direct Purchase of Tendu Leaves at ₹5500, End of Middlemen
The Union Home Minister said that now tendu leaves are being purchased directly by the government at the rate of ₹5500 per standard bag, and the amount is going directly into the accounts of tribals. This will end the control of people associated with red terror.
Naxalites Who Surrender Will Be Rehabilitated
The Union Home Minister clarified that Naxalites who lay down their arms will be brought into the mainstream with full security and respect. But security forces will take strict action against those who do not lay down their arms.
Arrangement of Schools, Dispensaries, Aadhaar, and Ration Cards in Every Village
The Union Home Minister informed that arrangements will be ensured in every village for education and health, including small hospitals, schools, Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and health insurance.
Market Available for Bastar Products Under ‘Vocal for Local’
The Union Home Minister outlined a plan to give a global platform to Bastar’s bell metal, terracotta, wood crafts, tattoos, and paintings. Under ‘Vocal for Local’, these products will be taken to markets as far as Delhi.
Tribal Heroes to Be Honored at the National Level
He said that the birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda has been declared as Tribal Pride Day. The Union Home Minister said that for the first time in the history of India, an Adivasi woman, Smt. Draupadi Murmu, has been made the President, which is a historic honor to the tribal community by our government.
The Union Home Minister said that in 10 years, the Modi government has built more than 4 crore houses, provided gas cylinders to 11 crore people, toilets in 12 crore houses, tap water to 15 crore houses, and free ration and health insurance up to 5 lakh to 70 crore people.
Bastar’s New Dream: Sub-Inspectors from Sukma, Collectors from Kanker
The Union Home Minister said that real development will happen when doctors, collectors, barristers, and administrative officers emerge from Bastar. He called for Bastar to be taken forward with the power of pen and computer, not weapons.