President Droupadi Murmu on 20 July 2026 received a delegation from Bastar Mandal at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi, comprising winners of Bastar Pandum 2026 — the Pargana Manjhi and Chalaki of Bastar. Describing the festival as far more than a cultural event, the President called it a vibrant affirmation of Bastar's living traditions and distinct identity.

President's Address: Culture, Heritage, and Development

In her address, President Murmu emphasised that Bastar Pandum serves a dual purpose: projecting the region's cultural richness onto national and international platforms while reconnecting tribal youth with their ancestral heritage. She noted that events of this nature also stimulate tourism and generate employment opportunities for local communities.

The President lauded the roles of the Pargana Manjhi and Chalaki as custodians of social life and cultural values, describing them as indispensable bridges between the community and the administration. She expressed confidence that their continued leadership would foster peace, prosperity, and happiness across Bastar's tribal society.

Bastar's Transformation: From Conflict to Progress

Highlighting a broader regional shift, President Murmu said that Bastar is advancing steadily along the path of development. She observed that communities are emerging from a prolonged environment of violence and are now embracing opportunities in education, employment, and infrastructure.

Notably, she pointed to tangible improvements on the ground — roads, electricity, and drinking water are now reaching remote villages, and schools that once stood shuttered are alive again with children. This atmosphere of hope and renewal, the President said, is a source of pride for the entire nation.

Tribal Youth and the Bastar Olympics

President Murmu also acknowledged the considerable talents of tribal youth in education, science, art, and sports, drawing attention to their innate strengths in athletics and creative expression. She welcomed the recent organisation of the Bastar Olympics in Chhattisgarh as a compelling testament to this potential.

Looking ahead, the President expressed confidence that tribal communities will contribute actively to nation-building while safeguarding their cultural identity. She urged collective efforts to empower women, children, senior citizens, and marginalised groups, and stressed the importance of conserving water, the environment, and natural resources.

Senior Leaders in Attendance

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai were also present at the occasion, underscoring the political significance attached to Bastar Pandum at the national level. The gathering signals continued federal attention on the development and cultural recognition of Chhattisgarh's tribal heartland.

As Bastar continues its transition from a conflict-affected zone to a region of emerging opportunity, events like Bastar Pandum are expected to play an increasingly prominent role in shaping both its cultural narrative and its economic prospects.