JASHPUR/RAIPUR,CG,BHARAT: Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday, addressing the gathering, emphasized the crucial role youth play in the country’s progress, recalling their contributions during India’s independence movement and the COVID-19 crisis.

He along with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated the ‘Maati Ke Veer’ footmarch in honour of ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ at Jashpur.

Mandaviya highlighted the legacy of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, who sacrificed his life at just 25, urging the youth to emulate his spirit and commit to building a developed India. He pledged a fully equipped sports stadium for Jashpur, responding to a request by Chief Minister Sai, to encourage athletic growth in the region.

Chief Minister Sai lauded the tribal heritage, expressing pride in hosting this tribute to Birsa Munda on his 150th birth anniversary. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for designating November 15 as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’, a day celebrating tribal pride and legacy.

Sai underscored that tribal culture, rooted in a deep reverence for nature, embodies peace, harmony, and goodwill. He asserted that preserving this culture is essential to upholding the broader Sanatan values it represents.

Chief Minister Sai discussed the government’s commitment to tribal welfare through initiatives like the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, PM-JANMAN scheme, Eklavya schools for quality education, and the Van-Dhan Yojana to boost tribal income.

He also cited Ayushman Bharat’s free healthcare benefits for tribal communities, emphasizing the importance of creating a ‘double-engine’ development strategy to uplift tribal regions.

Sai noted that the end of Naxalism in Chhattisgarh is near, with democratic values extending even to the state's remotest areas. Infrastructure improvements in roads, water, electricity, healthcare, and communications are reaching isolated villages, helping realize the vision of a developed Chhattisgarh within a developed India.

A video tribute to Birsa Munda was presented during the inauguration, and tribal youth excelling in sports and other fields were honored. A grand exhibition showcasing the lives of tribal heroes and highlighting their cultural heritage was also displayed at Purana Nagar Ground, the event’s venue.

The event saw attendance from Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Tribal Welfare Minister Ramvichar Netam, Finance Minister OP Choudhary, Sports Minister Tank Ram Verma, and various dignitaries, including prominent MLAs and tribal leaders, alongside a large turnout of youth and citizens.