Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday, 31 May 2026 welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recognition of the state's talent and heritage on the 134th episode of the monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, saying the mentions were a matter of pride for all 3 crore people of Chhattisgarh.

Context

In his post, CM Sai noted that the 134th episode of Mann Ki Baat — Prime Minister Modi's popular radio address — highlighted two distinct achievements from Chhattisgarh. The first was the accomplishments of Animesh Kujur, a talented young sprinter from Jashpur district, whose hard work and national-level records were cited by the Prime Minister. The second was the discovery and conservation of rare copper-plate inscriptions from the historically significant site of Malhar in Bilaspur district.

Sai expressed gratitude on behalf of the state's population, writing: 'Chhattisgarh ki pratibha aur virasat ko rashtriya manch par sthan dene ke liye' ['For giving Chhattisgarh's talent and heritage a place on the national stage'], and thanked the Prime Minister directly.

Policy Backdrop

Mann Ki Baat was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2014 as a monthly radio address aimed at connecting citizens with government initiatives and spotlighting grassroots achievements across India. Over its run, the programme has consistently featured stories of athletes, artisans, conservationists, and innovators from every state, serving as a soft-power vehicle for national integration.

The inclusion of stories from tribal-majority districts such as Jashpur and archaeological heritage sites like Malhar fits a recurring pattern in which the programme draws attention to regions that receive limited national media coverage. Malhar, located in Bilaspur district, is one of Chhattisgarh's most significant archaeological sites, known for ancient copper-plate inscriptions that offer rare documentary evidence of early medieval history in central India.

Stakeholders and Impact

For Animesh Kujur and the athletic community in Jashpur — a predominantly tribal district — a mention on Mann Ki Baat carries significant visibility, potentially attracting state and central government support for sports infrastructure. Young athletes from remote districts often cite such national recognition as a catalyst for institutional backing and sponsorship.

Heritage conservationists working on the Malhar copper-plate inscriptions stand to benefit from the increased public and administrative attention that a Prime Ministerial mention typically generates. Conservation projects at sites of this nature often depend on central funding routed through bodies overseeing archaeological preservation, making national visibility a practical asset.

What's Next

The Chief Minister's acknowledgement signals that the state government is likely to follow up on both fronts — sports development in Jashpur and heritage preservation at Malhar. Observers will watch for any state-level announcements on sports facilities for young athletes in tribal districts or fresh funding allocations for the Malhar conservation project. Subsequent episodes of Mann Ki Baat will also be tracked to see whether Chhattisgarh receives continued attention on the national platform.