Kumar Bahukhandi
Raipur: The first Chhattisgarh Green Summit was organised today in the Science College Ground Campus in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, which was inaugurated by Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai. Stalls and exhibitions were set up by various departments in the program with the aim of promoting the traditional forest wealth, medicinal products and cultural heritage of the state. The Chief Minister visited these stalls and took information about the products and appreciated the efforts of artists and artisans. Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap was also present on this occasion
CM Sai got information about traditional medicines The Chief Minister observed the traditional medicines displayed by the State President of Chhattisgarh Vaidya Sangh, Dashrath Netam. Netam informed that these medicines are prepared from herbs specially selected from the forests, which are extremely effective for health. He also discussed the manufacturing process of these medicines and the benefits of their use. The Chief Minister stressed the need to preserve and propagate these traditional methods.
Appreciating the products of women self-help groups,
The Chief Minister visited the stall of Chhattisgarh Rajya Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Limited and observed various forest-based products like handmade green tea from Jashpur, herbal Chyawanprash, and pure herbal products prepared by the tribal community of Bastar region. He expressed happiness on seeing products like honey, ragi-kodo cookies, amla candy, and jamun juice prepared under the brand ‘Herbal Chhattisgarh’. The Chief Minister said, “Promoting these herbal products will not only provide employment to local women but will also empower the rural economy.
Appreciation of unique performance of folk artists
The Chief Minister enjoyed the folk instrument performance of Mohri player Vishal Ram Yadav of Deori (Arang) and Chikara player Shri Manharan Das Banjare of Kolihapuri, Durg. He said that such traditional folk arts are an integral part of our cultural heritage, which should be encouraged. He congratulated both the artists for their dedication towards music. Appreciation of wall paintings of Rajwar art.
Mural artist Dr. Shashipriya Upadhyay told the Chief Minister about the murals made by her team, which depict the primitive culture, folk life, and traditional costumes of Chhattisgarh through Rajwar art. She said that the purpose of Rajwar art is to keep the folk culture of Chhattisgarh alive and give it new dimensions.
The Chief Minister praised this effort and said, “The future of our cultural heritage will be safe by preserving and promoting such folk arts.” Honoring the art of disabled children Chief Minister also visited the painting exhibition organised by the deaf and dumb students of Government Divyang College, Mana Camp. During this, student Dhandas Barmate presented a self-made folk art based painting to the Chief Minister.
Accepting this gift, the Chief Minister praised Dhandas’ art and said, “This art of yours will work to give a new identity to our culture.” He wished Dhandas a bright future. In the felicitation program of Rikhi Kshatriya, who has been preserving traditional musical instruments for 45 years, Rikhi Kshatriya, who has contributed to the preservation of traditional musical instruments of Chhattisgarh, told the Chief Minister about his journey in detail. Shri Kshatriya said that he has been preserving and performing Chhattisgarhi musical instruments—such as Runju Baja, Ghumra Baja and Chirai Baja—for the last 45 years. He has brought pride to the state by performing traditional musical instruments in the tableau of Chhattisgarh on the path of duty on Republic Day. Shri Kshatriya presented Runju Baja to the Chief Minister and surprised him by exhibiting his amazing skills by producing the sound of a lion from Ghumra Baja and the sound of a bird from Chirai Baja.
The Chief Minister appreciated his unique contribution and said that such artists are the true protectors of our folk traditions. Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural heritage gets a platform On this occasion, the Chief Minister said, “Events like Chhattisgarh Green Summit provide a unique platform to promote the state’s cultural heritage, traditional products, and handicrafts. These events, along with preserving our traditional knowledge and culture, are also helpful in getting it recognised at the national and international level.” Officials from various departments, art lovers, and local residents were present at the program, who appreciated the efforts to preserve Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural heritage. Along with this, the Chief Minister encouraged all the artists, artisans, and participants to preserve and enhance the cultural heritage of the state.
