Kumar Bahukhandi
“Pandum Café is a Symbol of Positive Transformation Taking Place in Bastar’s Fight Against Naxalism”: Chief Minister
Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday November 17 , 2025 marked the beginning of a new chapter in Bastar’s socio-economic transformation by inaugurating ‘Pandum Café’ in Jagdalpur. The café is a significant rehabilitation initiative of Chhattisgarh Government aimed at supporting victims of Naxal violence as well as former cadres who have chosen to surrender and rejoin the social mainstream. By offering dignified and sustainable livelihood opportunities, this innovative effort reflects a powerful journey — from conflict to cooperation. Pandum Café is located within the Police Lines campus in Jagdalpur.
During his visit, Chief Minister Sai interacted warmly with the café team — Fagni of Narayanpur, Pushpa Thakur and Birendra Thakur of Sukma, and Ashmati and Premila Baghel of Bastar. He congratulated them on their new beginning and extended best wishes for the successful operation of the café.
Chief Minister Sai described the inauguration of Pandum Café as an inspiring symbol of the positive change underway in Bastar’s ongoing campaign to eliminate Naxalism. He said the café represents “hope, progress, and peace.” Youth working here — many of whom are survivors of Naxal violence or individuals who have renounced the path of extremism have now embraced a life of peace. With the support of the district administration and police, they have undergone extensive training in hospitality services, café management, customer service, hygiene standards, food safety, and basic entrepreneurship.
One woman working at the café, who has returned to the mainstream after leaving the path of violence, expressed her emotions while reflecting on this transformative initiative. A former Maoist cadre shared,
“We have seen darkness in our past. Today, we have been given an opportunity to serve society — it feels like a new life. To serve coffee instead of carrying explosives, and to earn with dignity, gives us peace and self-respect.”
One other member of the team said,
“Earlier, we could not even dream of giving our families a respectable life. Now, with our hard-earned income, we can secure their future. This has been possible because of the administration and this café.”
Another member highlighted the role of community support, saying,
“We thought returning to the mainstream would be difficult. But the police and district administration trained us and won our trust. The most meaningful part is that we now work alongside victims of past violence, giving us a chance to make amends and help build peace.”
They also shared that the name ‘Pandum’ reflects Bastar’s cultural roots, and the café’s tagline — “Where every cup tells a story” — signifies that every cup of coffee served here carries not just flavour, but a narrative of courage, victory over adversity, and new beginnings.
The event was attended by Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Education Minister Gajendra Yadav, MP Mahesh Kashyap, Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Singh Deo, Chitrakote MLA Vinayak Goyal, Beverage Corporation Chairman Srinivas Rao Maddi, Scheduled Tribes Commission Chairman Roopsingh Mandavi, Jagdalpur Mayor Sanjay Pandey, District Panchayat Chairperson Smt. Vedvati Kashyap, Divisional Commissioner Doman Singh, Inspector General of Police Sundarraj P., Collector Haris S., Superintendent of Police Shalabh Sinha, along with several public representatives and senior administrative officials.
