- Boosted the morale of security personnel in the Karregutta hills; attended the district-level ‘Rajyotsav’ (State Foundation Day celebration) as the chief guest
- Bastar now resonates with the echoes of development and prosperity, not the sound of gunfire – Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb
- Honored talented students and laborers; emphasized the expansion of skill development and employment opportunities
On the occasion of Chhattisgarh State Foundation Day, Cabinet Minister Shri Guru Khushwant Saheb attended the district-level ‘Rajyotsav-2026’ held in Bijapur district as the chief guest. He stated that Bastar, once affected by the challenges of Naxalism, is now moving toward a new path of peace, trust, and development. In areas that were once gripped by an atmosphere of fear and violence, new opportunities are now emerging for the expansion of roads, education, healthcare, employment, and basic infrastructure. He remarked that Bastar should now be defined not by the sound of gunfire, but by development, prosperity, and its rich cultural heritage.
- The hoisting of the Tricolor on the Karregutta hills is a symbol of the courage and dedication of the security forces toward the nation
During his visit to Bijapur, Minister Shri Guru Khushwant Saheb reached the Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Tadpala in the Karregutta hills, where he met with security personnel and commended their courage, valor, and dedication. He noted that the prospects for peace and development have been strengthened through the tireless efforts of the personnel deployed in these remote, challenging areas, combined with the cooperation of the local citizens. The hoisting of the Tricolor on the Karregutta hills stands as a testament to the courage of the security forces and their commitment to the nation. He further added that the campaign against Naxalism has gained significant momentum through the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the resolve of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, and the dedicated efforts of Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma. The government’s objective is to strengthen security arrangements while simultaneously extending essential amenities—such as education, healthcare, electricity, drinking water, communication, and employment opportunities—to remote villages.
- Honoring Workers and Promoting Environmental Conservation
Minister Shri Guru Khushwant Saheb honored the workers who contributed to construction and development projects in the Karregutta region. He emphasized that workers play a vital role in building a developed Bastar; it is through their hard work and dedication that infrastructure development is gaining momentum. During the event, he also promoted environmental conservation by planting a sapling as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree in the Name of Mother) campaign.
- Highlighting the State’s Development Journey at ‘Rajyotsav’
During the district-level ‘Rajyotsav’ (State Foundation Day celebration) held at the Mini Stadium in the Bijapur district headquarters, the late former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna recipient, Atal Bihari Vajpayee—the architect of the state of Chhattisgarh—was remembered. Extending his wishes to the people of the state on State Foundation Day, the Minister noted that since its formation in 2000, Chhattisgarh has made significant progress in sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, industry, technical education, and infrastructure. He remarked that there is no shortage of talent among the youth of Bastar, and it is the government’s priority to provide them with better education, technical training, and employment opportunities. Efforts are underway to make the youth self-reliant through skill development, technical education, and job-oriented training. He urged the youth to hone their skills by engaging with modern technology, digital education, and industry-based training.
- Recognizing Talented Students and Appreciating Cultural Performances
At the ‘Rajyotsav’ event, Minister Shri Guru Khushwant Saheb encouraged and honored talented students who had demonstrated excellence in various fields. He stated that education and skills are the foundation for a bright future for the youth, adding that it is essential to provide children from remote areas with equal opportunities to progress. During the event, local artists delivered captivating performances showcasing Chhattisgarh’s rich folk art, folk songs, and traditional dances. Encouraging the artists, the Minister stated that the tribal culture and folk traditions of Bastar are an invaluable heritage of the state, and it is the collective responsibility of us all to preserve and promote them. Minister Shri Guru Khushwant Saheb remarked that the vision of a developed Bastar can only be realized when every village is integrated into the mainstream of development, every child receives quality education, and the youth are provided with better opportunities for employment and self-employment. He emphasized that the government’s priority is to solidify the atmosphere of peace—currently being strengthened through the efforts of security forces—by fostering development, building trust, and ensuring public participation. Local public representatives, Collector Shri Vishwadeep, the Superintendent of Police, and other distinguished guests were present on the occasion.