- They cheered for the Chhattisgarh Police’s DRG and STF personnel as they marched in Ekta Nagar; they also visited the Statue of Unity
- Upon their return from Gujarat, the villagers were welcomed by the Superintendent of Police with bouquets, as they shared their travel experiences
The journey from the forests of Bastar to Ekta Nagar in Gujarat was more than just a trip for these 50 villagers; it represented a changing Sukma—a journey marked by the excitement of boarding a train for the first time and the pride of participating in one of the nation’s most significant events. Residents of Sukma—a region once known primarily for the challenges posed by Naxalism—witnessed the National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) celebrations and a grand parade held in Kevadia, Gujarat, in the esteemed presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the personnel of the Chhattisgarh Police’s District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Special Task Force (STF) marched in the parade, the villagers from Sukma cheered them on with enthusiastic applause.
For this group of 50 citizens from various villages in the Sukma district, the trip to Gujarat was special in many ways. Many of them were traveling by train for the first time in their lives. Stepping beyond the familiar confines of their villages to undertake a long rail journey, explore a new state, and participate in a grand, national-level event was an entirely new experience for them. The National Unity Parade, held in the shadow of the Statue of Unity, made the trip truly memorable.
- Seeing the personnel they take pride in marching on a national stage
During the ceremony in Ekta Nagar, the villagers watched as the Chhattisgarh Police personnel—those responsible for maintaining security and peace in the challenging regions of Bastar—took part in the parade. The disciplined march of the DRG and STF personnel filled the villagers with a sense of pride. Seeing personnel from their own region represented on a national stage, they cheered them on, boosting their morale. For them, this was more than just watching a parade; it was an experience of seeing the contributions of people from their own area gain recognition at a national level.
- Police initiative provides villagers an opportunity to see the country
This special trip was organized under the direction of the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Sukma, Mr. Mayank Gurjar (IPS), and the guidance of Additional Superintendent of Police, Mr. Manoj Tirkey. A 50-member group, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mr. Sapan Chaudhary, traveled to Gujarat. During the trip, the villagers had the opportunity to participate in a national unity event, visit the ‘Statue of Unity,’ and gain insight into the culture and environment of Gujarat.
- SP welcomes the group back and listens to their experiences
Upon their return to Sukma from Gujarat, all 50 participants were warmly welcomed by the Superintendent of Police, Mr. Mayank Gurjar, at his office. He greeted each member with a bouquet of flowers and listened to their experiences from the trip. The villagers shared that everything—from boarding a train for the first time to witnessing a national event held in the presence of the Prime Minister—had become an unforgettable memory in their lives.
The members of the group expressed their gratitude to the Sukma Police and the Government of Chhattisgarh for this opportunity. For them, this journey was not merely a visit to Gujarat, but a chance to step beyond their own villages and experience the country’s diversity, unity, and national pride firsthand.