President Murmu’s Call at the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly: Empowering Women and Harmony Will Lead to a Greater Chhattisgarh

Raipur, March 24

The President of India, Mrs. Droupadi Murmu, participating in the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, congratulated the people of the state for their 25 years of democratic journey and highly praised the excellent parliamentary traditions of the Assembly. President Mrs. Murmu attributed the formation of Chhattisgarh to the extraordinary guidance of the late Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and paid her respects to him. She said that Chhattisgarh’s democratic journey is an inspiring example of the expression of people’s aspirations. Sharing memories of her time as a legislator, she mentioned that working as a public representative is a privilege for those inspired by the spirit of public service. She described the Assembly as a custodian of culture and a center for shaping policy.

Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly: A Symbol of Exemplary Parliamentary Conduct

President Mrs. Murmu appreciated the disciplined and respectful traditions adopted by the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly. She particularly praised rules like ‘Self-Suspension’ and highlighted the historic fact that, in the 25 years of the Assembly, the use of marshals has never been required.

Describing Chhattisgarh as the very embodiment of female strength, President Mrs. Murmu saluted the state’s cultural dignity. She also paid homage to the contribution of the revered woman from Chhattisgarh, Mini Mata. Furthermore, she acknowledged that today the Assembly has 19 women legislators and that the number of female voters in the state has outnumbered male voters. The President urged female legislators to play a leading role in empowering other women in the state. She appealed to them to implement the spirit of the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Act’ on the ground.

Chhattisgarh’s Policies Towards an Inclusive Society

President Mrs. Murmu described the 565 bills passed by the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly as historic steps towards inclusive development. She specifically mentioned the legislation during Dr. Raman Singh’s tenure that freed women from superstition-based oppression and recognized it as the Assembly’s significant contribution.

A State Rich in Natural Resources, Full of Potential

President Mrs. Murmu stated that Chhattisgarh holds immense potential for development. She pointed out the vast possibilities in the state’s mineral, industrial, and agricultural sectors. She emphasized the need to maintain a balance between environmental conservation and development. She mentioned that the traditional handicrafts of Chhattisgarh are appreciated both nationally and internationally. The beautiful state is blessed with lush forests, waterfalls, and other natural wonders. Chhattisgarh is blessed with rivers like the Mahanadi, Hasdev, Indravati, and Shivnath. As the state moves forward on the path of modern development, it must ensure environmental protection. She said that it is the responsibility of policymakers to maintain this balance between development and nature, and it is also the duty of all representatives to connect all sections of society with this modern development journey.

Decisive Progress Towards Freedom from Left-Wing Extremism

President Mrs. Murmu stated that the efforts to connect people affected by left-wing extremism in Chhattisgarh with the mainstream of society have reached a decisive stage. She expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh would soon succeed in eradicating extremism and a golden chapter would be added to the state’s history.

The Mantra of Social Harmony: ‘Mankhe-Mankhe Ek Samaan’

Quoting the message of Guru Ghasidas, “Mankhe-Mankhe Ek Samaan” (All humans are equal), President Mrs. Murmu emphasized the creation of an ideal Chhattisgarh based on social equality and harmony. She called the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly an exemplary democratic institution and wished for the bright future of the state, urging all representatives to work with dedication towards building a greater Chhattisgarh.

Governor Mr. Ramen Deka’s Remarks

Governor Mr. Ramen Deka, during the Silver Jubilee celebration, described President Mrs. Droupadi Murmu’s presence as unique and inspirational and welcomed her warmly on behalf of the people of the state. He recalled Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s visionary leadership, which played a crucial role in the formation of Chhattisgarh. He informed that the state government has declared the year 2025 as the ‘Atal Nirman Year,’ where infrastructure development will be given top priority. Governor Mr. Deka referred to the 25-year journey of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly as a journey of pride and honor.

The Governor also praised the ‘Self-Suspension’ rule adopted by the Assembly as an incredible example of discipline and adherence to democratic values. He presented it as a model for the assemblies across the nation, which has been appreciated nationwide. He mentioned that the Chhattisgarh Assembly is a platform that shapes the aspirations of the people. The Governor lauded the policies and programs of the Assembly, which have empowered the state socially, economically, and culturally. He highlighted the success in connecting the tribal communities of Bastar with the mainstream through continuous rehabilitation and development efforts in the Naxal-affected areas.

The Journey of Becoming an Industrial Power with Mineral Wealth

The Governor stated that Chhattisgarh is the country’s leading steel and energy producer, attributing this achievement to the state’s visionary leadership. He shared that the current Assembly has 19 women legislators, comprising 21.11% of the total members. He regarded this as an exemplary instance of women empowerment and praised the growing role of women in the state. The Governor paid homage to Chhattisgarh’s historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage, remembering prominent figures such as Mata Shabari, Guru Ghasidas, Swami Vivekananda, Veer Narayan Singh, Mini Mata, and others. He also noted that Swami Vivekananda spent significant years of his youth in Chhattisgarh, which contributed to his spiritual development. He concluded by saying that the Silver Jubilee year brings a new energy, and it should be our collective resolve to maintain the identity of “Chhattisgarhiya Sabse Badiya” while advancing the state towards modern development with equal opportunities, holistic prosperity, and cultural dignity.