Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s Resolve – Prosperous, Self-Reliant and Developed Chhattisgarh

Maharaja Chakradhar Singh gave national and international recognition to art: CM Sai

Raipur, Sept 2025 : Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, addressing the closing ceremony of the Chakradhar Festival in Raigarh as the chief guest, said that Maharaja Chakradhar Singh gave music recognition at both the national and international levels.

The Chief Minister noted that Raigarh has a unique affection for art and culture. To preserve this legacy, the government had announced the opening of a College of Art and Music last year. Budgetary provisions have been made and a site has already been finalized. The college will come into existence in the coming months.

Highlighting his government’s achievements over the past 20 months, CM Sai said several schemes were launched and benefits delivered to the people. He added that the guarantees given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been fulfilled in a short time, and a Vision Document for Chhattisgarh till 2047 has been prepared. He mentioned that under the Mahatari Vandan Yojana, ₹1,000 is being deposited every month into the accounts of nearly 70 lakh women in the state.

He further stated that the government has implemented a new industrial policy, attracting investments worth thousands of crores and creating employment opportunities. The state is continuously working to provide jobs to its youth. He also said that Rajim Kumbh, the state’s cultural and spiritual identity, will be developed on a grand scale.

Chief Minister and Guests Enjoy Kailash Kher’s Performance
CM Sai and other dignitaries enjoyed the mesmerizing performance of renowned singer Padma Shri Kailash Kher, the star attraction of the closing ceremony.

Special Cover on Maharaja Chakradhar Singh Released
A special postal cover on Maharaja Chakradhar Singh was released by the CM and other dignitaries. The mascot ‘Appu Raja’, conceptualized under the ‘Sugghar Chhattisgarh’ vision of Raigarh Municipal Corporation, was also launched. Famous Kathak exponents Padma Shri Dr. Nalini and Dr. Kamalini Asthana and their troupe were honored on stage.

Chhattisgarh is Known for Art and Culture: Deputy CM Arun Sao
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, in his address, said that art and culture have been the identity of Chhattisgarh from the very beginning. Maharaja Chakradhar Singh gave this identity recognition at national and international levels. He congratulated all the performing artists.

Raigarh, the City of Art and Culture: Finance Minister O. P. Choudhary
Local MLA and Finance Minister O. P. Choudhary, addressing the thousands of art lovers present, said Raigarh is truly a city of art and culture. He noted that King Chakradhar Singh popularized Kathak and cultural heritage worldwide. He added that continuous development is being carried out in Raigarh, mentioning the launch of an AI-based training center with job guarantees and the upcoming Nalanda Campus, which will help students prepare for IIT, NEET, Law University, and other prestigious institutions.

Contribution Remembered
Rajya Sabha MP Devendra Pratap Singh said the festival is dedicated to Maharaja Chakradhar Singh, who revived and preserved the heritage of music while giving it international recognition. He expressed gratitude to all the artists.

The event was attended by Women & Child Development and Social Welfare Minister Laxmi Rajwade, Lok Sabha MP Radheshyam Rathia, Bilaspur Division Commissioner Sunil Jain, IG Sanjeev Shukla, CCF Prabhat Mishra, Collector, SP, other public representatives, and dignitaries.