Chief Minister Attends Karma Puja Festival in Sarasmal, Joins Community Members in Traditional Karma Dance to the Beats of the Mandar
Offers Prayers to Bhagwan Karam Dev for the State’s Happiness, Prosperity and Well-Being
Education Is the Most Powerful Means of Social Progress; Young People Should Set Ambitious Goals and Work towards Them: Chief Minister
Government Committed to Tribal Communities’ Dignity, Education and Employment and Expansion of Basic Amenities: Chief Minister Shri Sai
Chief Minister Urges Youth to Make the Best Possible Use of Opportunities in Competitive Examinations, Higher Education and Employment
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that tribal communities have a glorious history of valour, self-respect, struggle and profound reverence for nature. In tribal culture, nature is revered not only as the foundation of life but also as divine.
The lessons in conserving water, forests and land that tribal communities have imparted through their lives and traditions for centuries are an inspiration to the entire world. The Karma festival is a living symbol of this rich cultural consciousness, community spirit and gratitude towards nature.
Chief Minister Shri Sai was addressing the Karma Puja Festival organised on Thursday by the Oraon Samaj Vikas Samiti, Chhattisgarh–Odisha Himgir region, at the middle school playground in Sarasmal village of Tamnar development block in Raigarh district. He offered prayers with traditional rituals to Bhagwan Karam Dev and the revered deities Bhagwan Shiv and Mata Parvati, seeking happiness, prosperity and well-being for the people of the state.
The celebration of tribal culture became even more vibrant when, at the request of the Karma dance groups, the Chief Minister picked up a mandar and joined community members. To the beats of the mandar and traditional folk melodies, he performed the Karma dance with the women and men present. His warm and spontaneous participation generated enthusiasm among community members. Community office-bearers welcomed him with a traditional Gajmala.
Struggles of Tribal Heroes Are Our Priceless Heritage
Extending greetings on Karma Tihar, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that tribal communities have made an unforgettable contribution to the country’s culture and freedom struggle. Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, Gundadhur and many other tribal heroes fought with immense courage to defend their motherland, dignity and rights. Introducing younger generations to their sacrifices and dedication is a responsibility shared by all.
He said that former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee had established a separate Ministry of Tribal Affairs, giving special priority to the welfare and development of tribal communities. This provided an institutional foundation and fresh momentum to tribal development efforts. Today, under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, extensive work is being undertaken to uphold the dignity of tribal communities and expand education, healthcare, housing, roads, drinking water, livelihood opportunities and other basic amenities.
The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of pride that President Smt. Droupadi Murmu, a daughter of the tribal community, holds the country’s highest constitutional office. In Chhattisgarh, too, a son of the tribal community has been given the opportunity to serve the state as Chief Minister. This reflects the growing recognition and participation of tribal communities.
He said that the tribal museum established in Nava Raipur is an important means of connecting younger generations with the rich tribal heritage. It provides an opportunity to learn about tribal history, lifestyles, traditions, culture and the contributions of brave tribal heroes. The government is committed to preserving tribal culture and traditions while enabling communities to benefit from modern opportunities for development.
Karma Celebrates Our Connection with Our Roots and Nature
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that tribal communities have traditionally worshipped nature. Coexistence with nature and environmental conservation are deeply embedded in their traditions. The Karma festival expresses the joy of a new harvest, gratitude towards nature and the spirit of community life. Such celebrations preserve cultural identity while connecting younger generations with their roots, languages, traditions and social values.
Calling upon community members to pass on their rich culture, traditions and language to the younger generation, he said that society can progress rapidly by embracing education and modern opportunities while remaining connected to its roots. Culture defines identity, while education provides the foundation for a bright future.
Education Opens Opportunities for Progress; Youth Should Set Ambitious Goals
Addressing young people in particular, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that education is the most powerful means of progress in life. There is no shortage of opportunities for young people today. They need to set goals, work hard and make full use of the facilities available to them.
He said that the State Government is continuously working to provide tribal students with quality education and better opportunities to prepare for competitive examinations. Prayas Residential Schools are helping talented students progress. Modern study facilities such as Nalanda campuses are being expanded to provide young people with a conducive environment and the resources needed to prepare for competitive examinations.
The Chief Minister also urged young people to seek admission to prestigious national-level educational institutions. He said that the capacity of the hostel for tribal students in Delhi has been increased to 200 seats, benefiting those pursuing higher education and preparing for competitive examinations.
He said that society would progress rapidly when the younger generation receives a good education and establishes a strong presence in administration, medicine, engineering, technology, industry, entrepreneurship and other fields.
New Employment Opportunities Continue to Open for Young People
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the State Government is placing special emphasis on providing youth with access to skills and employment opportunities alongside education. Opportunities are being created through recruitment in government departments, employment fairs and industries. Expanding investment and industrial activity in the state also aims to generate more employment opportunities for local youth.
He urged youth to stay informed about competitive examinations, skill development programmes, employment fairs and self-employment schemes and make the best possible use of them. Every young person who progresses through education and employment contributes to the progress of both their family and the wider community.
Development Schemes Reaching the Last Person in Tribal Areas
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Central and State Governments are committed to expanding basic infrastructure and amenities in tribal-dominated areas. Schemes such as the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) are providing housing, roads, drinking water and other basic amenities to tribal areas and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
He said that the government seeks to ensure that no family living in a remote tribal area is excluded from the mainstream of development or deprived of welfare schemes. Taking the benefits of development to the last person is the government’s highest priority.
Rajya Sabha Member Shri Devendra Pratap Singh said that tribal communities have kept their culture, traditions and folk arts alive across generations. Ensuring wider recognition for tribal heroes and their contributions is a shared responsibility. He urged youth to give the highest priority to education and strengthen social unity. Education is the foundation of social progress, while cultural unity strengthens a community’s identity, he said.
In his welcome address, Oraon Samaj Vikas Samiti President Shri Panat Ram Bhagat highlighted the ancient tradition of the Karma festival, the Oraon community’s language, culture and folk arts, and the distinctive features of its nature-linked clans. He emphasised the need to preserve the community’s cultural identity and social unity.
Tribal Folk Culture Comes Alive to the Beats of the Mandar
The Karma Puja Festival offered a vibrant glimpse of the tribal community’s rich folk culture and traditions. Women and men dressed in traditional attire performed group Karma dances to the beats of the mandar, mridang and dhol. Their rhythmic movements beautifully expressed love for nature, community spirit, joy and devotion to their revered deities.
The Karma festival is an important symbol of tribal cultural identity. It expresses the joy of a new harvest, gratitude towards nature, social unity and a deep connection with folk traditions.