President Murmu Hosts Bastar Delegation at Rashtrapati Bhavan

President Droupadi Murmu hosted a 209-member delegation from Bastar, Chhattisgarh, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi on Thursday. Led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the group included winners of Bastar Pandum 2026, traditional tribal leaders from the Manjhi and Chalki communities, and Padma Shri awardees. During the visit, the president personally served lunch to the guests and expressed her intention to visit Bastar for Bastar Dussehra and Bastar Pandum.

President Murmu praised the Bastar Pandum as a celebration of the region's cultural identity and traditions that helps reconnect youth with their heritage while driving tourism and employment. She highlighted the region's transition from violence toward development, specifically noting improvements in infrastructure, education, and the success of the Bastar Olympics. She also credited the Manjhi and Chalki leaders for serving as an effective bridge between the community and the administration.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah attended the event, describing the gathering as a proud moment for India's tribal heritage. As part of the interaction, Chief Minister Sai presented the president with 'Jhitku-Mitki' artwork, a 300-year-old cultural symbol of the region.