Jagdalpur, Oct 23(UNI) President Droupadi Murmu on Friday called for drawing lessons from the close relationship tribal communities share with nature, stressing that development must go hand in hand with environmental protection.
She was speaking at a public gathering in Chhattisgarh's Jagdalpur city during the Bastar Dussehra celebrations. Describing Bastar Dussehra as a reflection of Chhattisgarh's cultural pride and collective faith, Murmu said the festival stood out for the participation of the entire community.
She noted that its rituals brought people from different sections of society together and strengthened their bonds. The President also referred to Chhattisgarh's long struggle with Naxalism. She said coordinated efforts by the Centre and the state government helped the region move beyond Naxal violence and accelerate its progress.
Murmu welcomed efforts to extend financial support to tribal entrepreneurs and improve their access to markets. She expressed confidence that such initiatives would contribute to the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047 through equitable and inclusive development. The President said that tribal communities regard nature as a source of life and worship it.
Their way of living offers lessons for a development model that respects the environment, she added, underlining the need to protect and nurture nature. Prior to the public programme, Murmu interacted with local Manjhi and Chalki representatives at the Muria Darbar. She also visited a rangoli display and a Dussehra exhibition in Jagdalpur. Earlier, she offered prayers at the Maa Danteshwari Temple.
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