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Amit Shah Addresses Bastar Pandum Festival in Dantewada, Emphasizes Development and Cultural Pride
Raipur, April 5, 2025: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah today addressed the Bastar Pandum festival in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, highlighting the Modi Government’s commitment to promoting tribal culture, ending Naxalism, and ushering in a new era of development in Bastar. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy CM Vijay Sharma were also present at the event.Shah emphasized that the central government is working to bring global recognition to Bastar Pandum by showcasing local traditions, culture, and art to the world. From next year, the festival will be celebrated under 12 categories with participation from tribal artists across India.He stated, “The days of gunfire and fear are over. Today, where bullets once echoed, school bells ring, and highways are replacing once-imagined roads.” He noted that villages that ensure full surrender of Naxals will be declared Naxalism-free and granted Rs. 1 crore for development.Amit Shah paid tribute to Maharaja Pravir Chandra Bhanj Deo for his sacrifice for tribal rights and asserted that the soul of the late king would be proud of Bastar’s transformation. Shah revealed that over 47,000 artists from 1885 gram panchayats and other urban local bodies participated in the festival, with Rs. 5 crore allocated for the event.Highlighting development efforts, Shah said PM Modi’s vision of “Vocal for Local” is giving tribal products national markets through GI tagging. He praised Modi’s initiatives like Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas and honoring tribal freedom fighters such as Veer Gundadhur and Birsa Munda.Calling for peace, Shah appealed to Naxals to surrender and join the mainstream. “In 2024, 881 Naxals surrendered. This year so far, 521 have laid down arms. Those who choose the path of violence will face strict action, but those who return will be welcomed and protected,” he added.Shah concluded by envisioning a future where youth from Sukma become sub-inspectors, Bastar produces barristers, Dantewada doctors, and Kanker collectors. “Bastar no longer stands for fear, it stands for the future,” he affirmed, urging citizens to contribute fearlessly toward development under Modi’s leadership.—
