Kumar Bahukhandi
Students of B.P. Pujari Government English Medium School, Rajatalab, accompanied by their teachers, study displays on Chhattisgarh’s freedom fighters at the Independence Day photo exhibition at the historic Town Hall in Raipur on August 16, 2026-Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CG/PR
Schoolchildren visit the Independence Day photo exhibition at Raipur’s historic Town Hall, discovering stories of freedom fighters alongside Chhattisgarh’s development journey
Key Highlights
- Students explore rare photographs and accounts of Chhattisgarh’s freedom fighters
- Exhibition traces the 150-year journey of ‘Vande Mataram’
- Young visitors learn about Mahatma Gandhi’s association with Chhattisgarh and regional freedom movements
- Displays connect the state’s historical legacy with its present development journey
- AI-based experience introduces children to Chhattisgarh’s tourism and cultural heritage
- Seven-day exhibition remains open to the public until August 21
Raipur: History came alive for a group of schoolchildren as they walked through photographs, documents and stories of sacrifice displayed at the historic Town Hall at Kachahari Chowk in Raipur.
Students of B.P. Pujari Government English Medium School, Rajatalab, visited the seven-day photo exhibition organised by the Chhattisgarh Public Relations Department as part of the 80th Independence Day celebrations.
Instead of encountering the freedom movement only through the pages of textbooks, the children had an opportunity to see photographs and historical accounts connected with Chhattisgarh’s freedom fighters, national heroes and movements against British rule.
Young visitors explore a display showcasing the state government’s development initiatives at the Independence Day exhibition at Town Hall, Raipur, on August 16, 2026. The exhibition brings together Chhattisgarh’s historical legacy and its contemporary development journey-Ohoto Credit: channel24india.com via CG/PR
Students Manvi Sahu, Palak Sahu, Yogita Vishwakarma, Anandit Bose and Yugti Sonkar visited the exhibition along with teachers Anwari Javed Sheikh and Sunil Mahar. They moved through its different sections, closely examining photographs, documents and information panels depicting episodes from the freedom struggle.
A major section of the exhibition is devoted to the 150-year journey of ‘Vande Mataram’, tracing its evolution from its composition to its emergence as one of the most powerful expressions of national awakening during India’s freedom movement.
The displays explain how ‘Vande Mataram’ became associated with the spirit of resistance and helped inspire generations during the struggle for Independence.
For the young visitors, the exhibition also offered an opportunity to understand that Independence was achieved not merely through political developments but through decades of struggle, sacrifice, unity and an enduring commitment to the idea of a free India.
From Freedom Struggle to a Changing Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh’s contribution to the national movement occupies a prominent place in the exhibition.
Schoolchildren closely examine photographs and historical accounts of Chhattisgarh’s freedom fighters at the Town Hall exhibition in Raipur on August 16, 2026. The seven-day exhibition remains open to the public until August 21-Photo Credit: channel24india.con via CG/PR
Rare photographs, historical documents and biographical accounts introduce visitors to freedom fighters, public heroes and martyrs from the region. Important episodes connected with Mahatma Gandhi’s visits to Chhattisgarh and social and national movements that took place in the region have also been documented.
Officials accompanying the students explained the historical context of several exhibits, helping them understand the contribution and sacrifices of those who participated in the freedom movement.
The exhibition, however, does not end with Independence.
It attempts to connect Chhattisgarh’s past with its present by presenting the state’s development journey and changes brought about through public welfare programmes.
Separate displays provide information on initiatives concerning women, farmers, young people, workers and economically weaker families. Schemes including the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, Krishak Unnati Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana feature alongside initiatives in education, skill development, employment and social security.
The students also viewed displays explaining developments in governance and infrastructure, including digital registration, Sushasan Tihar, environmental initiatives, education and expanding road and rail connectivity.
Industrial infrastructure, investment and emerging employment opportunities form another part of the presentation, giving visitors a broader picture of the transformation the state seeks to achieve.
One of the more contemporary attractions for younger visitors is an AI-based interactive initiative that combines technology with Chhattisgarh’s tourism and cultural heritage.
Visitors can create digital photographs of themselves against backgrounds featuring prominent tourist and religious destinations of the state. The initiative has particularly attracted children and young people, giving them a technology-driven introduction to places associated with Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity.
A documentary on the state’s development journey, welfare programmes and achievements is also being screened at the venue.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on August 15 as part of the Independence Day celebrations. It seeks to bring together two different but connected narratives — the sacrifices that contributed to India’s freedom and the responsibility of succeeding generations to participate in the country’s development.
For schoolchildren, that connection gives the exhibition particular relevance. The portraits and historical accounts tell them where the journey began, while the contemporary displays show the state in which their own generation will play a role.
The seven-day exhibition at the historic Town Hall, Kachahari Chowk, remains open to citizens from 10.30 am to 8 pm daily until August 21, 2026.
