JAGDALPUR (Chhattisgarh, India): President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday said the traditional way of life of India’s tribal communities, built on collective living and deep harmony with the natural world, offers important lessons for the nation as it confronts environmental and social challenges. Speaking at the inauguration of Bastar Pandum 2026, a three-day tribal cultural festival at Lalbagh Ground in Jagdalpur in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh, Murmu underscored the continued relevance of indigenous values in modern India.
President Murmu began her address by greeting the gathering with “Jai Johar” and paying homage to the local deity Maa Danteshwari, before calling for the preservation of tribal identity, culture and education. She highlighted that tribal traditions reflect wisdom that can guide contemporary societal approaches to sustainability and coexistence with nature. She said tribal communities have long maintained a balance with the environment, a philosophy that has gained urgency amid growing concerns about climate change and environmental degradation.
The President drew attention to the festival’s role in showcasing tribal arts, music, crafts and knowledge systems, noting that such events help place living tribal heritage on a broader national platform. She visited exhibition stalls featuring tribal handicrafts, paintings and forest-based medicines, interacting with artisans and experts. Murmu also praised the collective ethos of tribal society, saying that their non-exploitative lifestyle offers a model of respectful engagement with natural resources.
“What is old is sweet,” she remarked, emphasizing that the essence of tribal traditions teaches important life lessons. The President used the platform to draw parallels between cultural heritage and national unity, describing the land and people of Chhattisgarh as embodiments of courage, sacrifice and diversity. She paid tribute to those who have laid down their lives for the nation and urged former Left-wing extremists who have surrendered to place their faith in democratic institutions, assuring them of rehabilitation through welfare measures. Education featured prominently in her address as a tool for empowerment.
Murmu highlighted the importance of quality education for children, particularly tribal children, and praised initiatives such as Eklavya Model Residential Schools that aim to expand educational opportunities in underserved areas. Drawing from her own life journey, from a small village in Odisha to the highest constitutional office in India, she underscored how education and constitutional safeguards can transform lives. The President also expressed satisfaction with progress under central schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Janman Abhiyan and Pradhan Mantri Gram Utkarsh Yojana, which she said are driving holistic development in tribal and rural areas.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, welcoming Murmu, noted that Bastar Pandum has grown steadily as a platform for tribal arts and traditions, with participation from tens of thousands of people across the region. Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal highlighted the festival’s contribution to strengthening national unity through cultural diversity. The inaugural ceremony featured traditional performances, including the Gaur dance, which drew wide appreciation. As the festival unfolds, organizers aim to create sustained opportunities for local artists and strengthen recognition of tribal heritage. President Murmu’s address linked tribal pride to a broader vision of inclusive development rooted in constitutional values and respect for India’s diverse cultures.
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