Education is the key to development; life is incomplete without education – CM Sai

Raipur, November 17

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai attended the centenary celebrations of Government Jagtu Mahara Bastar High School in Jagdalpur on Monday. Extending his heartfelt greetings to the school community, he said that education is the foundation of development and that life remains incomplete without it. He noted that India has upheld the importance of learning since ancient times, attracting scholars from across the world to renowned institutions such as Nalanda and Takshashila.

The Chief Minister highlighted that institutions like Bastar High School and Narhardev Vidyalaya in Kanker have long served as key centers of education in the Bastar region. Reflecting on the school’s humble beginnings in 1926, he said that despite the scarcity of resources at the time, the institution has grown remarkably over the past hundred years. It has produced numerous accomplished students who have excelled across diverse fields and brought pride to the school.

Chief Minister Shri Sai congratulated everyone on completing twenty-five year of Chhattisgarh’s state formation. Marking the occasion, he announced Rs 1.5 crore for the renovation of Jagtu Mahara Bastar High School and the construction of a post-matric hostel. He also assured that all remaining requirements of the school would be addressed on priority.

During the programme, the Chief Minister presented two drones to the school—donated by Shailendra Singh Thakur—as a symbolic gesture. He further committed to providing 50 additional drones to the institution, a move aimed at strengthening technical education and giving students greater exposure to emerging technologies.

During the program, Chief Minister Shri Sai unveiled the centenary celebration plaque at Jagtu Mahara Government Multipurpose Higher Secondary School, Jagdalpur. He also inaugurated two smart classrooms built in the memory of the late Thakur Devendra Singh and the late Smt. Sharda Thakur. The Chief Minister planted a Parijat tree under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign on the school campus.

The centenary celebrations were formally inaugurated by hoisting the flag and lighting a lamp in front of a photograph of Goddess Saraswati, the giver of knowledge. A school souvenir was also released on this occasion.

Chief Minister Shri Sai served food to school students at a feast – Nyota Bhoj organized in memory of the father of Shri Srinivas Rao Maddi, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Beverages Corporation. Additionally, he paid tribute to seven former students of Jagtu Mahara Bastar High School who were martyred while serving in the police and security forces by laying flowers on their photographs.

On this occasion, Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav, while congratulating the school on its centenary celebrations, said that this day is a proud moment for this historic school, which was established in 1926 before independence. It is a memorable moment for former teachers and alumni. He noted that many students who received education from this institution are playing a vital role in the development of society through various services. He urged the current students to learn from their elders and assured them of fulfilling all the school’s needs.

Alumnus of the school and MLA from Jagdalpur, Shri Kiran Deo, shared his experiences, saying that in the undivided Bastar district, Bastar High School and Narhardev High School in Kanker were the main educational institutions, where students from the entire region studied. He added that alumni of this institution are today serving society as IAS officers, doctors, engineers, professors, successful businessmen, and entrepreneurs. He paid tribute to the contribution of the old teachers and requested for renovation of the school and fulfillment of other needs. At the beginning of the program, the school’s Principal, Mr. B.S. Ramkumar, informed about the glorious history of the school through a report.

On this occasion, Forest Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap, MP (Bastar) Mr. Mahesh Kashyap, MLA (Chitrakoot) Mr. Vinayak Goyal, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Beverages Corporation Mr. Srinivas Rao Maddi, Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Scheduled Tribe Commission Mr. Roop Singh Mandavi, District Panchayat Chairperson Mrs. Vedvati Kashyap, Mayor Mr. Sanjay Pandey, Commissioner Mr. Doman Singh, IG Mr. Sundarraj P., Collector Mr. Haris S., Superintendent of Police Mr. Shalabh Sinha, along with former and present students of the school were present.