- The Kanwar community has set an exemplary precedent for the new generation by preserving its cultural heritage
- Our government is committed to the education, health, employment, and economic empowerment of the tribal community: Chief Minister Sai
- Chief Minister extends greetings to the community at the Karma Parab festival; calls upon the youth to focus on education, freedom from substance abuse, and social unity
- Announcement of ₹90 lakh for community centers and a cultural stage for the Kanwar community, and ₹10 lakh annually for organizing the Karma Festival in the capital
The Karma Festival is a unique symbol of our rich tribal culture, traditions, faith, and gratitude towards nature. This festival conveys a message of staying connected to our roots while emphasizing nature conservation, social unity, and a collective spirit. Amidst changing times, the Kanwar community has set an exemplary precedent for the new generation by preserving its cultural heritage, traditions, and customs. Staying connected to one’s culture and traditions is the true strength of any community. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated this while addressing the grand Karma Parab festival organized by the Metropolitan Unit of the Chhattisgarh State Kanwar Community Youth Wing at the Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur.
Chief Minister Sai inaugurated the event by performing traditional rituals and shared the joy of the Karma Festival with the community members. He extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all community members and the people of the state on the occasion of Bhado Ekadashi and the Karma Festival.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Sai announced grants for the Kanwar community: ₹50 lakh for the construction of a community center at Madwarani in Korba district, ₹25 lakh for a community center at Tatibandh in Raipur, and ₹15 lakh for a cultural stage in Jefra village of Kanker district. Additionally, he announced a grant of ₹10 lakh for organizing the annual Karma Festival in the capital, Raipur. The Chief Minister commended the youth wing of the Kanwar community and all the community office-bearers for this grand event.
- Karma Tihar: A Celebration of the Unbreakable Bond Between Nature and Human Life
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that Karma Tihar is not merely a religious ritual but a celebration of the unbreakable bond between nature and human life. During this festival, the ‘Karam Dar’ (branch of the Karam tree) is worshipped. Sons and daughters of the community observe fasts with devotion and faith, performing the worship rituals according to tradition. Traditional Karma songs and dances performed during the night-long vigil infuse the festival with joy. The fast is broken the following day after the immersion of the Karam Dar. This age-old tradition expresses our reverence, faith, and commitment to the conservation of nature.
The Chief Minister remarked that our ancestors never viewed nature merely as a resource; instead, they regarded it as the foundation of life and an integral part of our culture. Our relationship with water, forests, and land is not based solely on necessity but is rooted in faith and a deep, personal connection. Traditions like Karma Tihar have continuously strengthened this bond across generations.
He noted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has transformed this spirit of nature conservation into a massive public movement through the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree in Mother’s Name) campaign. Citizens across the country are actively participating in this initiative by planting trees and contributing to environmental conservation. In Chhattisgarh, too, tree plantation is being consistently encouraged under the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ (Pledge of Service Campaign). It is our collective responsibility to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. Education and Social Reform Essential Alongside Cultural Preservation
Commending the growing awareness regarding education within the Kanwar community, Chief Minister Shri Sai noted that the community is advancing rapidly in the spheres of education and social reform while simultaneously preserving its culture and traditions. Meaningful initiatives within the community—particularly regarding de-addiction—signal positive change.
He stated that education, values (sanskar), organization, and awareness are essential for the progress of any society. He expressed the hope that the younger generation would advance in the fields of modern education, science, and technology, and seize new opportunities, while always upholding their cultural identity and values. The Chief Minister urged the youth to shun substance abuse, raise awareness among others about its harmful effects, and further strengthen social unity.
The Chief Minister expressed great pleasure that the Karma Parab festival was being organized by the youth wing. This serves as proof that the new generation is conscious of its cultural heritage and is actively fulfilling the responsibility of carrying it forward.
- Upliftment of the Tribal Community is Among the Government’s Top Priorities
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, unprecedented efforts are being made for the social, educational, and economic upliftment of the tribal community. Today, a daughter of the tribal community, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu, holds the country’s highest constitutional office. This is a source of pride and inspiration for the entire tribal community.
Speaking with warmth, the Chief Minister remarked that the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh today is also one of their own—their very own ‘Vishnu Bhaiya’. Our government is committed to integrating every family of the tribal community into the mainstream of development and providing the younger generation with better opportunities for advancement.
He mentioned the Pradhan Mantri JanjatiBasic amenities are being extended to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) through the ‘Vasi Nyay Maha-Abhiyan’ (PM-JANMAN). Families residing in remote and inaccessible areas are being provided with permanent housing, roads, education, healthcare, drinking water, and other essential facilities. Similarly, the holistic development of tribal-dominated villages is being accelerated through the ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’.
The Chief Minister stated that the government’s priority is not merely to formulate schemes, but to ensure that their benefits reach the last person in the tribal community, bringing about a tangible change in their lives.
- Special emphasis on education, employment, and sports for a better future for the youth
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the state government is continuously expanding facilities for education, skill development, employment, self-employment, and sports to ensure a better future for all the state’s youth, including tribal youth. Schools in the Bastar region that had remained closed for a long time have been reopened, providing children in remote areas with better educational opportunities.
He mentioned that the capacity of the Tribal Youth Hostel in Delhi, which caters to tribal youth preparing for competitive examinations, has been increased to 200 seats. This will provide more youth from the state with a conducive environment and better facilities to prepare for the country’s prestigious competitive exams.
The Chief Minister noted that thousands of young people have been provided with employment opportunities through the state-level job fair recently organized in Raipur. Special provisions for the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category have been incorporated into the state’s new industrial policy, aiming to transform our youth from mere job seekers into entrepreneurs who create employment for others.
He added that sports infrastructure and training facilities are being continuously expanded to showcase the state’s sporting talent on national and international platforms. There is no dearth of talent in tribal regions; the government is striving to ensure they have access to appropriate opportunities, training, and resources. Government fulfills key promises in the interest of farmers
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the state government is committed to fulfilling the guarantees made by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Honoring the pledge made to farmers regarding the pending paddy bonus for two years, a sum of ₹3,716 crore was transferred to the accounts of farmers across the state on ‘Good Governance Day’—the birth anniversary of the late former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
He mentioned that the state government is procuring paddy from farmers at a rate of ₹3,100 per quintal, with a procurement limit of 21 quintals per acre. Ensuring the economic prosperity of farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector are among the government’s top priorities. The government aims to make farming profitable and bring happiness to the lives of the farmers who feed the nation.
- Concern for the livelihoods and dignity of forest-dwelling families
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that to strengthen the livelihoods of families residing in forest regions, the remuneration for tendu leaf collection has been increased from ₹4,000 to ₹5,500 per standard sack. This move is benefiting lakhs of tendu leaf-collecting families across the state.
He added that the ‘Charan Paduka’ (Footwear) scheme has been relaunched, keeping in mind the dignity and convenience of the tendu leaf collectors. The government is committed to bringing positive changes to the lives of people in forest areas and providing them with equal opportunities for development.
- ‘Mahtari Vandan’ boosts the self-confidence of mothers and sisters
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’ is being implemented to economically empower the mothers and sisters of the state. Under this scheme, a sum of ₹1,000 is being directly transferred to the bank accounts of lakhs of women every month. This amount is helping women meet their needs, save money, and initiate small-scale economic activities.
He emphasized that the economic empowerment of women strengthens the entire family and society. The Mahtari Vandan Yojana has also significantly boosted the self-confidence and decision-making capabilities of mothers and sisters.
The Chief Minister stated that fulfilling the dream of providing permanent houses to poor families is a top priority for the government. In the very first cabinet meeting following the government’s formation, a decision was taken to approve the construction of 1.8 million (18 lakh) houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Today, an average of 1,600 houses are being constructed daily across the state. Similarly, under the Deendayal Upadhyay Landless Agricultural Laborer Welfare Scheme, eligible landless agricultural laborer families are receiving financial assistance of ₹10,000 annually.
- Stay connected to your roots and participate in building a developed Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Shri Sai remarked that festivals like Karma Tihar strengthen our social unity, collective consciousness, and cultural identity. Such events provide the younger generation with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the traditions and customs of their ancestors and to cultivate a sense of respect for nature.
Urging the youth, he called upon them to advance in fields such as education, social reform, de-addiction, environmental conservation, employment, and entrepreneurship, all while preserving their rich culture and traditions. He encouraged them to stay connected to their roots, seize modern opportunities, and become active participants in building a developed Chhattisgarh.
Addressing the gathering, Smt. Kaushalya Sai, National President of the All India Kanwar Samaj, emphasized the importance of always honoring our obligations towards our culture, traditions, and nature.