TFP Bureau, Raipur, 5 April 2025: The grand closing ceremony of Bastar Pandum 2025, a month-long celebration of tribal heritage, concluded today in Dantewada with several landmark announcements by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. In a powerful address blending cultural pride and developmental vision, Shah declared that every village in Chhattisgarh declared Naxal-free will receive a dedicated development grant of Rs 1 crore, marking a pivotal step in the region’s journey from conflict to progress.
National Status for Bastar Pandum from Next Year
In a major boost to tribal identity, Shah announced that Bastar Pandum will be celebrated as a national festival from next year. Artists from tribal belts across India will be invited, giving the region’s rich traditions a global platform. “Bastar will no longer be known for the sound of guns, but for the voice of development,” Shah declared to thunderous applause.
Preserving Bastar’s Cultural DNA
Paying homage to tribal deities and legendary figures like Maharaja Pravir Chand Bhanjdev and Babu Jagjivan Ram, the Union Home Minister emphasized the importance of safeguarding tribal dialects, instruments, bhajans, and customs, calling them the cultural heritage of all India.
This year’s festival saw record participation, with over 47,000 tribal artists representing 1,850 gram panchayats and urban bodies. Held between 12 March and 5 April, the event featured performances across seven cultural categories, with plans to expand to twelve next year.
New Development Strategy for Conflict-Affected Areas
In a major policy shift, Shah unveiled a scheme where villages aiding in the surrender of Naxalites will be declared ‘Naxal-free’ and awarded Rs 1 crore for local development. He urged communities to actively engage in peace-building efforts through gram sabhas.
He also reiterated the government’s rehabilitation policy for surrendered Naxalites, offering protection and reintegration, while warning that those continuing violence would face stringent action from security forces.
Economic and Infrastructure Push in Tribal Regions
The Union Home Minister shared updates on direct tendu leaf procurement at Rs 5,500 per standard sack, eliminating middlemen and ensuring direct payment to tribal collectors. He promised schools, dispensaries, Aadhaar enrolment, ration cards, and health insurance in every village, alongside efforts to improve connectivity and access to basic services.
Under the Vocal for Local initiative, Bastar’s famed bell metal, terracotta, and tribal artworks will find markets in major cities including Delhi, offering artisans better income and national exposure.
Honouring Tribal Heroes and Empowering Futures
Shah highlighted the Modi government’s commitment to tribal upliftment, citing the declaration of Birsa Munda Jayanti as Tribal Pride Day and the election of India’s first tribal woman President, Droupadi Murmu. He underscored the government’s track record in delivering housing, gas, water, toilets, food security, and health insurance to millions of underprivileged citizens.
Painting a vision of a transformed Bastar, Shah said, “Real development is when doctors, collectors, and IAS officers emerge from Bastar. The region’s future lies not in weapons but in education, technology, and opportunity.” He envisioned a Bastar where sub-inspectors rise from Sukma and collectors from Kanker, powered by pen and computer—not violence.
A New Dawn for Bastar
As Bastar Pandum 2025 comes to a close, the event has not only showcased the rich tribal legacy of the region but also outlined a clear roadmap for peace, prosperity, and empowerment. With promises of development, cultural recognition, and systemic reform, Bastar stands at the cusp of a new era—one defined by hope, harmony, and progress.
