Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday, 25 July 2026, congratulated the Ramnami community after a delegation called on him at his Raipur residence, marking the documentary film 'Ram-Nami' winning the Best Documentary honour at the 72nd National Film Awards.

Context

A delegation from the Ramnami community paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Sai at his official residence in Raipur. During the meeting, the Chief Minister extended his congratulations on the recognition received by the documentary 'Ram-Nami' — a film rooted in the community's folk faith, cultural heritage, and living traditions.

In his post on X, CM Sai wrote that the national honour bestowed on this documentary — grounded in 'lok aastha, sanskritik virasat aur jeevan parampara' (folk faith, cultural heritage, and life traditions) of Chhattisgarh's Ramnami community — is 'a matter of pride for all residents of the state.'

Policy Backdrop

The Ramnami community is a distinctive devotional tradition from Chhattisgarh, historically known for the practice of inscribing the name 'Ram' across their bodies as an act of deep spiritual expression. The community has long represented a confluence of Dalit assertion and Vaishnava devotion in the region.

The National Film Awards, presented annually by the Government of India, include a dedicated Best Documentary category that has periodically spotlighted tribal, folk, and devotional communities from across the country. The 72nd edition marks another instance of Central Indian folk traditions gaining visibility on a national cultural platform.

Stakeholders and Impact

For the Ramnami community, the award represents formal national acknowledgement of a tradition that has historically existed at the margins of mainstream cultural discourse. The recognition elevates the community's profile and may draw renewed scholarly and policy attention to its preservation.

For Chhattisgarh — a state formed in 2000 with a rich tapestry of tribal and folk traditions — the award adds to a growing body of national recognition for its intangible cultural heritage. Chief Minister Sai's public congratulations signal the state government's intent to associate itself with such milestones.

What's Next

Attention will now turn to the formal presentation ceremony of the 72nd National Film Awards, where the makers of 'Ram-Nami' are expected to receive the honour in person. Observers will also watch whether the Chhattisgarh government follows up with any state-level initiative to document or promote other folk and tribal communities within the state.

The award and the Chief Minister's public endorsement could also encourage filmmakers and cultural institutions to turn their lens toward similar underrepresented communities across Central India.