- Residents of the remote forest region of Chhindnar listen to the Prime Minister’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’
- Villagers listened to the Prime Minister’s message with enthusiasm; Ministers, MPs, and MLAs were also present
A new image of a transforming Bastar is emerging daily following the end of Naxalism. Today, a unique scene unfolded in the remote forest area of Chhindnar in Dantewada. Along with the rest of the nation, the local residents tuned in to the broadcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popular monthly radio program, ‘Mann Ki Baat’. This was the first time the entire village of Chhindnar had gathered to listen to the Prime Minister. The villagers showed great enthusiasm about hearing him on the radio and listened to his words with rapt attention.
The atmosphere in Chhindnar was distinctly different today. People were highly excited about the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast. Many villagers heard Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the very first time. Forest and Environment Minister Kedar Kashyap, Bastar MP Mahesh Kashyap, and Dantewada MLA Chaitram Atami also joined the villagers to listen to the program. A new picture was visible in this remote forest region of Bastar; the people of Chhindnar—who, until a few months ago, lived in fear amidst the daily sounds of explosions—were now listening to the radio in peace.
After listening to ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the villagers remarked that the Prime Minister’s program unites the country. Through this platform, he showcases positive initiatives and innovations from various parts of the nation to the entire country, inspiring others to undertake similar good work. The program fosters a spirit of public participation in the development of society and the nation. It introduces the country to the fresh thinking, new initiatives, unique efforts, and innovations of citizens, giving them due recognition. Furthermore, the program provides people with insights into the culture, heritage, and positive activities taking place across the country, including in Chhattisgarh.
The gathering of people in Chhindnar for ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is merely a glimpse of the rapid changes taking place in Bastar. To ensure the all-round development of the entire region, welfare schemes are being extended to every citizen, while infrastructure—including roads, mobile connectivity, schools, hospitals, and other essential amenities—is being strengthened. The government is working proactively and earnestly to reach even the most remote and inaccessible villages of Bastar, aiming to restore development activities, basic necessities, and civic amenities that had stalled for decades due to Naxalism.