CM Sai Hails Modi's Mann Ki Baat Mention of Chhattisgarh
Synopsis
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai on 1 June 2026 hailed PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat mention of Surguja runner Animesh Kujur and heritage site Malhar, saying it reflects the state's talent and culture earning national recognition.
Key Takeaways
CM Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed PM Narendra Modi 's mention of Chhattisgarh in Mann Ki Baat on 1 June 2026 .
PM Modi highlighted Animesh Kujur , a talented runner from the tribal district of Surguja .
The ancient heritage site of Malhar was also referenced in the radio address, boosting its national profile.
Mann Ki Baat was launched in October 2014 and regularly features regional talent and lesser-known heritage sites.
CM Sai said the mention is proof that Chhattisgarh's achievements, culture, and heritage are gaining a 'distinct identity' nationally.
Heritage tourism groups and sports bodies in Surguja are expected to benefit from the increased national visibility.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday, 1 June 2026 welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mention of the state's sporting talent and heritage in his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, calling it a matter of pride for Chhattisgarh.
Context
In his post, CM Sai wrote that PM Modi's reference to Animesh Kujur, a talented runner from the Surguja region, and to the historically and culturally significant site of Malhar in Mann Ki Baat was 'a matter of pride for Chhattisgarh.' He described the mention as proof that the state's talent, rich culture, glorious heritage, and journey of development are receiving recognition at the national level.
The Chief Minister added: 'Today Chhattisgarh is establishing a distinct identity in the country on the strength of its achievements, cultural splendour, and talents.'
Policy Backdrop
Prime Minister Modi launched Mann Ki Baat in October 2014 as a monthly radio address to spotlight citizen achievements, cultural matters, and grassroots stories from across India. Over the years, the programme has regularly featured regional sporting heroes and lesser-known heritage sites, positioning itself as a platform for national integration and local pride.
Malhar is an archaeological site in Chhattisgarh associated with ancient temples and remains from early historic and medieval periods. Surguja is a district in northern Chhattisgarh with significant tribal populations and a growing reputation for producing sports talent, including runner Animesh Kujur.
Stakeholders and Impact
The national spotlight through Mann Ki Baat is significant for two distinct communities in Chhattisgarh. Athletes and sports-development bodies in Surguja stand to benefit from increased visibility, which can translate into greater institutional support and sponsorship for tribal sporting talent.
Heritage tourism stakeholders and archaeologists associated with Malhar similarly gain from a national audience being directed toward the site, potentially boosting footfall and central funding for conservation. Chhattisgarh's state government has pursued national projection for both tribal sports and archaeological heritage through central cultural platforms.
What's Next
The state government is likely to build on the national attention by amplifying Animesh Kujur's profile in upcoming sports events and accelerating heritage-tourism promotion around Malhar. Observers will watch for follow-up announcements from the Chhattisgarh government on sports infrastructure in Surguja and any central allocation for archaeological conservation at Malhar.
Future editions of Mann Ki Baat will also be closely tracked for further mentions of Chhattisgarh, which the BJP-led state government has been keen to project as a model of cultural and developmental progress under its tenure.
Point of View
Amplifying the mention serves a dual purpose: it validates his government's narrative of Chhattisgarh as a rising state and strengthens the BJP's grassroots connect in a state where tribal voters are decisive. The Malhar reference is particularly notable because it signals central interest in Chhattisgarh's pre-medieval history, a soft-power asset the state has been slow to monetise through tourism. Taken together, the episode and the CM's response suggest a coordinated effort to build a cultural-development brand around Chhattisgarh at the national level.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did PM Modi say about Chhattisgarh in Mann Ki Baat?
PM Modi mentioned Animesh Kujur, a talented runner from the Surguja region, and the historical and cultural heritage site of Malhar during a recent episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat.
Who is Animesh Kujur?
Animesh Kujur is a runner from the Surguja district of Chhattisgarh who was highlighted by PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat for his sporting achievements.
What is Malhar in Chhattisgarh?
Malhar is an archaeological site in Chhattisgarh associated with ancient temples and remains from early historic and medieval periods, considered a significant cultural and heritage landmark.
What is Mann Ki Baat?
Mann Ki Baat is a monthly radio address launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2014, used to discuss citizen achievements, cultural stories, and grassroots issues from across India.
Why did CM Vishnu Deo Sai react to the Mann Ki Baat mention?
CM Sai called the mention a matter of pride, saying it demonstrates that Chhattisgarh's talent, rich culture, and heritage are receiving national recognition and that the state is establishing a distinct identity in the country.
