President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday said the tribal way of life, rooted in collective living and harmony with nature, offers enduring lessons for the entire country. She was speaking at the inauguration of Bastar Pandum 2026, a three-day tribal cultural festival, at Lalbagh Ground in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh.
Beginning her address with Jai Johar and paying homage to Maa Danteshwari, the President underlined the need to preserve tribal identity, culture and education. She said indigenous traditions reflect deep wisdom and remain relevant in modern times. “Whenever I come to Chhattisgarh, it feels like coming home,” she said, describing the warmth of the people as an invaluable gift.
The President noted that Chhattisgarh has often been viewed through a narrow lens, despite its abundant natural resources and rich cultural heritage. “This land is beautiful. It feels as though Maa Danteshwari herself has shaped it. Tribal society is precious. What is old is sweet, and these traditions teach us the essence of life,” she said.
Highlighting the tribal community’s collective ethos, President Murmu said the nation has much to learn from a society that lives in balance with nature rather than exploiting it. She observed that this philosophy has become even more relevant amid present-day environmental challenges.
Referring to the challenge of Left-wing extremism, the President described Chhattisgarh as a land of courage and sacrifice. Paying tribute to those who laid down their lives for the nation, she appealed to those who have surrendered to place faith in the Constitution and democratic institutions. “I have been informed that many have returned to the mainstream. I urge them to trust democracy and the Constitution. The government will ensure their full rehabilitation through welfare measures,” she said.
Stressing that education remains the strongest tool for empowerment, President Murmu praised initiatives such as Eklavya Model Residential Schools and urged families, especially women, to prioritise quality education for children. Drawing from her own journey from a small village in Odisha to the country’s highest constitutional office, she said education and constitutional safeguards can transform lives.
The President also expressed satisfaction over the progress of central schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Janman Abhiyan and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Utkarsh Yojana, stating that they are driving holistic development in tribal and rural areas.
Welcoming the President, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that Bastar Pandum has expanded steadily as a platform for tribal arts and traditions. He noted that the festival now covers 12 cultural disciplines, up from seven earlier, with participation from over 55,000 people across 1,885 gram panchayats of the Bastar region.
Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal, presenting the welcome address, said the festival has emerged as a bridge between tribal artists and national recognition, while Governor Ramen Deka described it as a celebration that strengthens national unity through cultural diversity.
The inaugural ceremony featured traditional performances, including the Gaur dance by artists from Kondagaon, which drew wide appreciation. The President also visited exhibition stalls showcasing tribal handicrafts, paintings, forest-based medicines and indigenous knowledge systems, interacting with artisans and experts.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, BJP state president Kiran Singh Deo, legislators, tribal elders, and a large gathering of citizens.
As Bastar Pandum 2026 unfolds, Bastar Collector Akash Chhikara said the festival aims to place the region’s living tribal heritage on a wider national platform while creating sustained opportunities for local artists. The President’s address, observers noted, not only echoed the spirit of tribal pride but also articulated a broader vision of inclusive development anchored in constitutional values.