Bhopal: BJP national president Nitin Nabin on Sunday said that the transformation of Bastar in the post-Maoist period has given a new identity to Chhattisgarh.
Bastar, once associated with Naxalism and violence, is now witnessing growing enthusiasm among young people on sports fields, rising educational achievements and new opportunities for development, he said, while virtually addressing the state-level Tribal Pride Day, celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
Mr. Nabin was scheduled to attend the programme, held at Dharamjaigarh in Raigarh district in Chhattisgarh, in person, but could not reach the venue due to adverse weather conditions.
Underlining the changes being witnessed in Bastar, he said that sports are increasingly replacing the gun as a symbol of aspiration, while an atmosphere of confidence and opportunity is taking shape.
“This transformation is not limited to Bastar but it is also contributing to a new identity for Bastar”, he said.
He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to observe the birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ (Tribal Pride Day) has brought national recognition to the struggles, sacrifices and contributions by the tribal icons.
Appreciating the initiatives undertaken by the Chhattisgarh government under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, he said that sports, education and development are laying the foundation for positive changes in the tribal-dominated Bastar.
He cited Bastar Olympics as an important example of transformation.
More than 1.5 lakh people participated in the event in 2024, while the number increased to nearly four lakhs in 2025.
The growing participation in the annual sports event reflects the aspirations of Bastar’s youth and their increasing access to opportunities to showcase their talent.
Highlighting achievements in education, he said that Chhattisgarh has 75 Eklavya Model Residential Schools, which are creating new opportunities for tribal students.
During the academic year 2025-26, a total of 408 students from these institutions qualified in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), and other competitive examinations, including 346 students who cleared JEE Main.
This clearly demonstrates that with access to quality education, proper guidance, and opportunities, students from remote tribal regions could also excel at the national level.
He said that distinct cultural heritage such as folk arts, folk dances, traditions and festivals of tribes of Gond, Oraon, Baiga, Halwa, Muriya and Madia, living in the state, is the identity of Chhattisgarh.
Chief Minister Mr Sai also spoke on the occasion.
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