Education Is Key to Social Development; Educating Future Generations Is Our Collective Responsibility: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai
Chief Minister Attends Oath-Taking Ceremony of Newly Elected Kanwar Community Office-Bearers and Plantation Programme
Raipur, August 22, 2026/
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai attended the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected office-bearers, including the State President of the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Kanwar Samaj Vikas Samiti, held on August 22 at the Krishak Auditorium of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya in Raipur. He stated that Education is the key to the development of society. The progress of any community depends on the education, values and opportunities provided to its future generations. Ensuring that no child is deprived of education and that every child has the opportunity to develop their talents is a collective responsibility.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that the Kanwar community has a glorious history. Great saints and community leaders such as Sant Gahira Guru showed the path of education, values, service and social unity. He said that the community must move forward on this path and work collectively to ensure a bright future for the younger generation.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai administered the oath to the newly elected office-bearers to serve society and discharge their responsibilities with dedication. At the beginning of the programme, he paid homage to the divine forces of nature and the eminent figures of the Kanwar community. Young men and women from the community also presented cultural performances.
Congratulating the newly elected office-bearers, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the responsibility entrusted to them by the community is an opportunity to take society forward. He urged them to work with dedication, commitment and a collective spirit for the educational, social, economic and cultural advancement of the community.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the unopposed and unanimous election of all office-bearers reflects the unity and organisational strength of the Kanwar community. This unity is the community’s greatest strength and must be further strengthened for future generations. He recalled that the Kanwar community was once divided into different units, but sustained efforts by elders and community leaders brought everyone together. He also extended a warm welcome to representatives and community members who had come to Chhattisgarh from Maharashtra.
Over Rs. 1.55 Crore Announced for Kanwar Community Buildings
On the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai announced more than Rs. 1.55 crore for the construction, development and renovation of Kanwar community buildings. This includes Rs. 70 lakh for infrastructure at the newly constructed Kanwar Bhawan at Labhandi in Raipur, Rs. 25 lakh for a community building in Chhuriya, and assistance ranging from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh for community buildings and facilities at Tamora, Khairjhiti, Nartora, Jhalap and Jojra.
Education Opens Multiple Pathways to Progress
Chief Minister Shri Sai urged senior and enlightened members of the community to give the highest priority to education and support talented children from needy families. He said education should not be viewed merely as a means to secure government employment, as it also opens opportunities in entrepreneurship, business, social service, industry and public life. He informed that 17 Prayas schools are operating in Chhattisgarh to provide better educational and competitive examination opportunities to students.
Tribal Development and Bastar Remain Key Priorities
Highlighting initiatives for tribal welfare, the Chief Minister said 6,661 villages in Chhattisgarh have been included under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. Under PM-JANMAN, roads, housing, electricity, drinking water and other basic facilities are being expanded for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. Of the around 4,000 km of roads being constructed nationwide under the scheme, more than 2,000 km are in Chhattisgarh, while 57 ambulances have been arranged to strengthen healthcare services.
Shri Sai said Bastar is witnessing a new phase of development as Naxalism recedes. Under the Niyad Nellanar initiative, basic facilities have been expanded to more than 500 villages over the past 2.5 years. Around 34 lakh health screenings have been conducted in Bastar, with more than 40,000 people suffering from serious or long-standing illnesses referred for advanced treatment. Improved security and infrastructure are also opening new opportunities in education, employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship.
The Chief Minister said Chhattisgarh’s abundant mineral, forest and natural resources will play an important role in building a developed state. Value addition to Bastar’s forest produce is being promoted to increase local incomes, while new irrigation projects worth more than Rs. 11,000 crore have been approved over the past two and a half years. He called upon the Kanwar community to actively contribute to the vision of a Developed Chhattisgarh through education, social awareness, and service.
Chief Minister Plants Sindoor Sapling
Chief Minister Shri Sai also planted a Sindoor sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign on the premises of the under-construction Kanwar community building at Labhandi. Newly elected office-bearers and community members joined the plantation drive, conveying the message of environmental conservation.
Former Rajya Sabha MP Shri Nand Kumar Sai emphasised the importance of education and collective efforts for the overall advancement of tribal communities. Kanwar Samaj Vikas Samiti President, Shri Harvansh Singh Miri, urged the newly elected representatives to work for social unity, education, and development.
Former Minister Shri Nankiram Kanwar, General Secretary Shri Shiv Kumar Kanwar, President Shri Than Singh Diwan, Women’s Wing President Smt. Savita Sai, Treasurer Shri Prem Singh Kanwar, Shri R.K. Sai, Shri Bhim Singh Kanwar, and a large number of community members were present.
