Book by Nisha Dwivedi captures culture, development and lived experiences; CM calls travel writing a bridge to history
TFP Bureau, Raipur, March 18,2026: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday released the book “Modi Ke Rajya Se Lautkar” (Returning from Modi’s State), authored by journalist Nisha Dwivedi, at a function held in the conference hall of his office at the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly complex.
Describing travelogues as a powerful medium that brings history and culture vividly to life, the Chief Minister said the book offers a compelling narrative of Gujarat through a journalist’s lens. He noted that Dwivedi’s work stands out for capturing not only places but also the social and developmental dimensions of the state.
A Journalist’s Perspective on Travel and Society
Praising the author, Sai said writing a travelogue alongside the demanding responsibilities of journalism is no easy task. “Journalists, often referred to as the fourth pillar of democracy, remain constantly engaged in public life. Despite such commitments, documenting a journey with depth and sensitivity reflects remarkable dedication,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that the book successfully distils the experiences of a study tour into a readable and insightful narrative, enabling a wider audience to understand the cultural richness and development journey of Gujarat.
Origin of the Gujarat Study Tour
Recalling the genesis of the initiative, Sai said he had interacted with women journalists on the occasion of International Women’s Day last year, during which the idea of organising a study tour was discussed.
Subsequently, for the first time, a delegation of 26 women journalists from Chhattisgarh visited Gujarat to gain first-hand exposure to its governance and development model. After their return, the Chief Minister met the group at his residence and encouraged them to document their experiences in writing.
“It is a matter of great satisfaction that this idea has taken shape in the form of a book. It was my wish that at least one of the participants would present the journey in literary form, and this book is the outcome of that thought,” he said.
Support for Journalists and Exposure Visits
Highlighting the role of media in shaping public discourse, Sai said the state government is committed to supporting journalists and encouraging knowledge exchange. He informed that provisions for exposure visits for journalists have been included in the current state budget.
Over the years, delegations of journalists from Chhattisgarh have undertaken study tours to various states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat and Rajasthan, enabling them to understand diverse development models and governance practices.
Objective of the Book
The Chief Minister said the primary aim of the Gujarat visit was to provide journalists an opportunity to observe, understand and learn from the state’s progress across sectors. The book, he added, serves as a documentation of those learnings and experiences, while also inspiring others to explore and write.
Dignitaries Present
The programme was attended by Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade, MLA Sushant Shukla, Chief Minister’s Secretary Rahul Bhagat, Commissioner of Public Relations Ravi Mittal, and Raipur Press Club President Mohan Tiwari, along with a large number of journalists and media professionals.
The release of the book was seen as a significant step towards promoting literary expression among journalists and encouraging documentation of experiences that connect governance, culture and society.
