District-Level Celebrations Inaugurated in the Presence of Minister Laxmi Rajwade
“Statehood Day is a celebration of the identity, culture and self-respect of Chhattisgarh Mahatari” – Minister Laxmi Rajwade
Theme: ‘Empowered Women, Youth in Flight’; Officials and Employees for Outstanding Work and Competition Winners Felicitated
Raipur, November 2026: The district-level Rajyotsav celebrations marking the 26th Foundation Day of Chhattisgarh were organised at the Agrasen Stadium Ground in Surajpur. The event was inaugurated by Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Minister Laxmi Rajwade, who attended as the chief guest. The programme began with the offering of floral tributes and lighting of the ceremonial lamp before portraits of Goddess Saraswati and Chhattisgarh Mahatari. The Chhattisgarh State Song was also sung on the occasion.
This year's Rajyotsav was celebrated under the theme ‘Empowered Women, Youth in Flight’.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Rajwade extended her greetings and best wishes to the people of the district on State Foundation Day. She said the occasion symbolised the identity, rich culture and self-respect of Chhattisgarh Mahatari.
The state has completed 26 years since its formation and has entered its 27th year. Chhattisgarh attained statehood through the efforts of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, she said. Paying tribute to the leaders and predecessors who contributed to the formation of the state, the minister noted that Chhattisgarh had faced several challenges at the time of its creation but was now making continuous progress across various sectors.
She said Chhattisgarh, known for its folk arts, traditional culture and tribal heritage, was steadily moving towards development and progress. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government was committed to public welfare and inclusive development in keeping with the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas”.
The government was expanding basic facilities such as women's empowerment initiatives, education, healthcare, roads, electricity and drinking water, while ensuring that the benefits of welfare schemes reached even remote areas. Efforts were also being undertaken to uplift tribal communities and disadvantaged sections through the Tribal and Scheduled Caste Development Authorities.
Minister Rajwade said development activities in Surajpur district were being accelerated alongside efforts to preserve its tribal culture and traditions. She called upon everyone to work together with a shared commitment to making the district prosperous and developed. Development in Surajpur, she said, would further strengthen the vision of a developed Chhattisgarh.
Premnagar MLA Bhulan Singh Maravi also extended his greetings on State Foundation Day. He said the Rajyotsav theme, ‘Empowered Women, Youth in Flight’, reflected the commitment to women's empowerment and the progress of young people. He appealed to citizens to actively participate in building a developed Chhattisgarh and a developed Surajpur to help realise the vision of a developed India.
District Collector Rena Jameel shared details of the development, achievements and innovations undertaken in the state and district since their formation.
Officials, Employees and Competition Winners Felicitated
During the समारोह, officials and employees from various departments, including the police department, were honoured with certificates of appreciation for their outstanding work.
In the culinary competition, Babli secured first place and received a cash prize of Rs 3,100. Rani Gupta won second place and received Rs 2,100, while Kamla Gupta secured third place and was awarded Rs 1,100. All the winners were also presented with certificates of appreciation.
In the departmental exhibition category, the District Panchayat secured first place, the Health Department came second, while the Education and Revenue Departments jointly secured third place. The winning departments were felicitated by the guests.
Eligible beneficiaries were also provided benefits under various government welfare schemes. Winners of sports competitions, including the chair race and tug-of-war, were presented with prizes. The enthusiastic performances by schoolgirls and other participants received loud applause from the audience.
Traditional Cuisine and Cultural Performances Enthrall Audience
The culinary competition showcased the aroma and flavours of traditional Chhattisgarhi cuisine. Minister Laxmi Rajwade and other public representatives sampled the dishes and appreciated the culinary skills of the participants.
The minister also visited the departmental exhibition at the venue and reviewed information about various government schemes, achievements and innovations.
Schoolchildren presented colourful performances during the cultural programme. A Karma dance performance conveyed messages highlighting Chhattisgarh's development, culture and unity. Invited artists enthralled the audience with folk songs and performances based on Chhattisgarhi traditions.
District Panchayat President Chandramani Paikra, Vice-President Rekha Lal Rajwade, other public representatives, Collector Rena Jameel, Superintendent of Police Yogesh Patel, District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Vijendra Patle, Additional Collector Nayantara Singh Tomar and several other dignitaries were present.
At the conclusion of the programme, the district administration presented mementoes to Minister Rajwade and other guests.
