Kumar Bahukhandi
Members of the 164-member Bastar delegation wait at a railway station on Tuesday July 28, 2026 before departing for New Delhi, where they will meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan to showcase Bastar’s tribal heritage, cultural traditions and transformation into a region of peace and development.-Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CG/PR
164-member delegation to present Bastar’s rich tribal heritage, cultural identity and transformation before President Droupadi Murmu
Raipur: In a landmark initiative highlighting the changing narrative of Bastar, a 164-member tribal delegation departed for New Delhi on Tuesday July 28, 2026 to present the region’s cultural heritage, social institutions and development journey before President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 30.
The delegation comprises Paragana Manjhis, Manjhis, Chalkis, community leaders, Bastar Pandum 2026 artists, Padma Shri awardees, tribal representatives and young cultural ambassadors, reflecting the diversity and traditions of the Bastar region.
Traditional tribal representatives and cultural ambassadors from Bastar carry ceremonial artefacts as they begin their journey to New Delhi. The delegation will present Bastar’s indigenous traditions, social institutions and evolving development story before President Droupadi Murmu on July 30-Photo Credit-channel24india.com via CG/PR
Their visit aims to present Bastar not only as a land of rich tribal customs and ancient traditions but also as a region that has undergone a remarkable transformation from decades of conflict to an era of peace, development and renewed public confidence.
The delegation is expected to brief the President on how sustained development initiatives, improved infrastructure and continuous security efforts have opened new avenues in education, tourism, employment and livelihood opportunities, while significantly weakening the influence of Naxal violence.
Representatives will also convey that today’s Bastar is increasingly being recognised across the country for its vibrant cultural identity, democratic participation and emerging opportunities rather than the challenges that once defined the region.
On behalf of the people of Bastar, the delegation will express gratitude to President Murmu for her continued encouragement towards tribal communities and reaffirm the region’s commitment to inclusive development and cultural preservation.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, while extending his best wishes, described the visit as a matter of pride for the entire state.
He said the delegation represents not only Bastar but also the rich tribal traditions, customs and cultural values of Chhattisgarh, adding that their presence at the country’s highest constitutional institution symbolises the growing recognition of Bastar’s positive transformation.
According to Sharma, the visit sends a powerful message that Bastar today stands for peace, development, culture, trust and opportunity, marking a new chapter in the region’s journey.
