Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, April 5:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the rich cultural legacy of Bastar, calling it a “jewel” not only of Chhattisgarh but of the entire nation. Speaking at the Bastar Pandum celebrations, Shah emphasized the importance of preserving tribal heritage while pursuing progress.
“The culture of Bastar is the jewel of the culture not only of Chhattisgarh but of the entire India,” he said, lauding the vibrant traditions, languages, and customs of the region.
Referring to the success of this year’s Bastar Pandum, Shah announced a major cultural expansion: “This year Bastar Pandum was celebrated as a festival of Chhattisgarh, but next year this festival will be celebrated with the same name, with artists from every tribal district across the country.” The move aims to give a national platform to tribal artistry and cultural expressions.
He also stressed the importance of balancing tradition with modernity: “We want the youth of our Bastar to get the most modern education and achieve prosperity, but never forget their culture, language, and traditions.”
The event drew large crowds and enthusiastic participation, marking a renewed focus on tribal inclusion and cultural pride in national discourse.
