- ‘Now Bastar will have a new identity’
Amidst the natural beauty and rich resources of Bastar, a new and fragrant revolution is taking shape, thanks to young entrepreneur Vishal Haldar, a resident of Bacheli in Dantewada district. A B.Com and software development graduate, Vishal, seeking to stay connected to his roots and innovate, has created herbal coffee from Chhind (a local date palm) seeds, which until now were considered completely useless in Bastar. Vishal’s aim behind this innovative experiment is not only to utilize unused natural resources but also to provide a healthy alternative to coffee lovers who crave flavor but avoid the side effects of caffeine. Vishal’s journey is the result of nearly two years of intensive research and experimentation, where he has masterfully combined the help of the internet and local understanding. Vishal’s innovation won first place at the Innovation Mahakumbh and was honored by Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai.
The most impressive feature of this herbal coffee is its complete caffeine-free nature, while it contains abundant antioxidants due to the natural properties of Chhind. Vishal believes that most people consume coffee not only for mental stimulation but also for its unique taste and habit, and his invention was made with this audience in mind. This innovation gained significant recognition when Vishal set up his stall at the Innovation Mahakumbh held at Shaheed Mahendra Karma University, Jagdalpur. The state’s Finance Minister, Mr. OP Chaudhary, along with university professors and the general public, tasted the coffee and praised it. Vishal isn’t limited to just creating a product; he is also inspiring local youth to pursue entrepreneurship through the Dantewada District Administration’s Youth Up Foundation. He hopes his idea will provide employment to the villagers of Bastar and generate additional income from Chhind seeds collected in the villages and forests. Although the project is still in testing and development and has yet to be officially launched, Vishal’s unwavering efforts have proven that with a clear vision, even local waste can be transformed into a globally recognized product. In the future, this herbal coffee could not only become a hallmark of Bastar, but also a unique gift to a health-conscious world.