Delegation includes traditional tribal leaders, Bastar Pandum artists, Padma Shri awardees and community representatives

Raipur, July 28, 2026/ A 164-member delegation from Bastar left for New Delhi on Tuesday to showcase the region's rich tribal heritage, social traditions and transformation on the national stage. The delegation comprises Paragana Manjhis, Manjhis, Chalkis, community leaders, prominent tribal youth artists from Bastar Pandum 2026, representatives of tribal communities and Padma Shri awardees from Bastar.

The delegation will meet President Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 30 and present Bastar's rich cultural heritage, folk traditions and traditional social institutions.

The delegation will convey that Bastar has moved beyond its image of violence and fear and entered a new phase of peace, development and public confidence. It will highlight how the region's youth are earning recognition across the country through their culture, traditions and talent.

The representatives will also inform the President that sustained development initiatives by the government and the continuous efforts of the security forces have led to significant progress in the fight against Naxalism, opening new opportunities in education, tourism, employment and improving the quality of life in the region.

On behalf of the people of Bastar, the delegation will express gratitude to the President and convey that the region is now identified not only for its natural beauty and tribal heritage but also for peace, development, democratic participation and renewed hope. They will emphasise that today's Bastar represents opportunity, confidence and progress.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma extended his best wishes to the delegation stating that it represents not only Bastar but also the rich tribal culture, traditions and heritage of the entire state. Bastar's folk culture, customs and social values reaching Rashtrapati Bhavan is a matter of pride for Chhattisgarh.

Shri Sharma added that Bastar is undergoing a profound transformation. Once known for the shadow of Naxalism, the region is now emerging as a centre of peace, development, education, tourism, sports and cultural resurgence.

He said the delegation's visit to the country's highest constitutional institution would showcase this positive change and also convey the gratitude of the people of Bastar for the support received in the decisive fight against Naxalism. The visit, he added, would send a strong message that Bastar today stands for trust, development, culture and new opportunities rather than fear.