Ramen Deka says knowledge and reading will shape confident, self-reliant young women; initiative supported through Governor’s discretionary fund
TFP Bureau, Raipur, July 21,2026: Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka on Monday inaugurated the Shabari Reading Room, established by the Vanvasi Vikas Samiti, Chhattisgarh, to promote reading, learning and intellectual development among tribal girls. The Governor also extended financial support for the project from his discretionary fund, describing the initiative as a significant step towards empowering tribal students through education.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Governor Deka said the Shabari Reading Room would serve as a centre for study, reflection, personality development and self-improvement. He expressed confidence that the facility would help tribal girls excel in academics, competitive examinations and various professional fields, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society and the nation.
He said education and knowledge have the power to transform lives and expressed hope that the girls studying at the reading room would achieve success in diverse careers, bringing pride to their families, communities and the country.
The Governor lauded the contribution of the Shabari Kanya Ashram, noting that it has been providing tribal girls with quality education, accommodation and moral values for several years. He said the institution has played a vital role in nurturing self-confidence, self-reliance and a spirit of national service, with many of its former students now serving in fields such as education, healthcare, administration and social work.
Speaking about Chhattisgarh’s rich heritage, Deka said the state is blessed with abundant natural resources and a vibrant cultural legacy rooted in the Ramayana era. He observed that Assam and Chhattisgarh share several cultural traditions linked to Lord Shri Ram, making the heritage of both states a matter of pride.
Emphasising the importance of values in the digital age, the Governor said that while technology and the internet have transformed modern life, preserving human values remains equally essential. He urged students to cultivate compassion, positive thinking, contentment and a sense of responsibility towards society and the nation, adding that these qualities are fundamental to leading a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Governor Deka also praised the Vanvasi Vikas Samiti, the Chhattisgarh chapter of the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, for its sustained efforts in the fields of tribal education, healthcare, value-based learning, self-reliance and community service. He commended the dedication of the organisation’s founders, office-bearers, volunteers and associates in reaching the most underserved sections of society.
The programme was attended by Vanvasi Vikas Samiti Chhattisgarh President Umesh Kachhap, Secretary Anurag Jain, office-bearers, volunteers, well-wishers and students of the Shabari Kanya Ashram.
Officials said the newly inaugurated reading room is expected to provide tribal girls with a dedicated learning environment, strengthen their academic aspirations and further the state’s efforts towards inclusive education and women’s empowerment.
