RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh received special appreciation for its development model and innovative initiatives at the Chief Ministers' conclave chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday.
Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai's presentation on the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum captivated the attention of the Prime Minister and other participating chief ministers. Deputy chief ministers Vijay Sharma and Arun Sao also attended the conclave.
Chief Minister Sai highlighted the state’s efforts towards good governance, informing that Chhattisgarh has institutionalised transparency and efficiency by creating a dedicated Department of Good Governance and Convergence. He added that schemes in the state are being closely monitored through digital tools like the Atal Monitoring Portal, ensuring timely grievance redressal and real-time performance tracking.
"Our goal is not just to launch schemes but to ensure they are implemented honestly and effectively on the ground," the Chief Minister said at the conclave.
A key focus of the meeting was the effective implementation of the Central government’s flagship schemes.
The highlight of the session was a special presentation on Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum, two major socio-cultural initiatives. Referring to PM Modi’s inspiring call of "Kheloge India, Jeetoge India," the Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh has turned this vision into a grassroots reality through these two initiatives.
He explained that Bastar Olympics is a social movement that has replaced guns with javelins, arrows, and balls in the hands of the youth. The event saw participation from 1.65 lakh athletes across 32 development blocks in seven districts, conducted over 40 days in three levels — block, district, and division.
The competition featured 11 traditional tribal games, including archery, running, kho-kho, kabaddi, and tug-of-war. Participants were divided into four categories — junior, senior, surrendered Naxals, and differently-abled. The enthusiastic participation from remote villages, especially by women and people with disabilities, stood out.
The Chief Minister shared the inspiring story of Punem Sanna, a wheelchair athlete from Dornapal — once a region affected by Naxal violence. Today, Sanna is a medalist and a role model for youth across the region. PM Modi had earlier appreciated Bastar Olympics during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast, calling it "a celebration of Bastar’s soul."
The Chief Minister also presented the success of the Bastar Pandum festival, which has not only preserved the tribal heritage, traditions, and folk arts of the region but has also brought national recognition to them.
The cultural event witnessed participation from 47,000 performers, 1,885 village panchayats, and 1,743 cultural troupes across 32 blocks in seven districts. Held in three phases, the festival featured folk dance, music, local markets, and traditional food competitions. The government awarded Rs 2.4 crore in incentives to participants, reinforcing community engagement and pride. The initiative has strengthened unity across generations — youth, women, and elders — becoming a symbol of peace, celebration, and progress in previously conflict-ridden areas.
Chhattisgarh’s Bastar model stood out as a remarkable example of public participation, cultural integration, and development-driven transformation, which could be emulated in other states.
Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai's presentation on the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum captivated the attention of the Prime Minister and other participating chief ministers. Deputy chief ministers Vijay Sharma and Arun Sao also attended the conclave.
Chief Minister Sai highlighted the state’s efforts towards good governance, informing that Chhattisgarh has institutionalised transparency and efficiency by creating a dedicated Department of Good Governance and Convergence. He added that schemes in the state are being closely monitored through digital tools like the Atal Monitoring Portal, ensuring timely grievance redressal and real-time performance tracking.
"Our goal is not just to launch schemes but to ensure they are implemented honestly and effectively on the ground," the Chief Minister said at the conclave.
A key focus of the meeting was the effective implementation of the Central government’s flagship schemes.
The highlight of the session was a special presentation on Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum, two major socio-cultural initiatives. Referring to PM Modi’s inspiring call of "Kheloge India, Jeetoge India," the Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh has turned this vision into a grassroots reality through these two initiatives.
He explained that Bastar Olympics is a social movement that has replaced guns with javelins, arrows, and balls in the hands of the youth. The event saw participation from 1.65 lakh athletes across 32 development blocks in seven districts, conducted over 40 days in three levels — block, district, and division.
The competition featured 11 traditional tribal games, including archery, running, kho-kho, kabaddi, and tug-of-war. Participants were divided into four categories — junior, senior, surrendered Naxals, and differently-abled. The enthusiastic participation from remote villages, especially by women and people with disabilities, stood out.
The Chief Minister shared the inspiring story of Punem Sanna, a wheelchair athlete from Dornapal — once a region affected by Naxal violence. Today, Sanna is a medalist and a role model for youth across the region. PM Modi had earlier appreciated Bastar Olympics during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast, calling it "a celebration of Bastar’s soul."
The Chief Minister also presented the success of the Bastar Pandum festival, which has not only preserved the tribal heritage, traditions, and folk arts of the region but has also brought national recognition to them.
The cultural event witnessed participation from 47,000 performers, 1,885 village panchayats, and 1,743 cultural troupes across 32 blocks in seven districts. Held in three phases, the festival featured folk dance, music, local markets, and traditional food competitions. The government awarded Rs 2.4 crore in incentives to participants, reinforcing community engagement and pride. The initiative has strengthened unity across generations — youth, women, and elders — becoming a symbol of peace, celebration, and progress in previously conflict-ridden areas.
Chhattisgarh’s Bastar model stood out as a remarkable example of public participation, cultural integration, and development-driven transformation, which could be emulated in other states.
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