Raipur 15 August 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of 79th Independence Day, made a special mention of Bastar in Chhattisgarh. He said that there was a time when on hearing the name of Bastar, Naxalism and violence were remembered, but today this picture has completely changed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said with pride that today the youth of Bastar are entering the field of sports instead of holding guns. Events like Bastar Olympics have become a living symbol of the energy, talent and enthusiasm of the youth. He described this historic change as the result of joint efforts of security, development and public participation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that once many parts of the country had to face the serious problem of Naxalism. The atmosphere of violence and fear had gripped the pace of development for decades, due to which the path of progress had come to a halt. He said that now this situation has completely changed – Naxalism is limited to only a few districts in the country today. The Prime Minister said that in the last 11 years, Naxalism has been reduced from more than 125 districts to just 20 districts. He said that today new opportunities for sports, education, tourism and employment are constantly increasing in Bastar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that this new identity of Bastar will become a source of pride and inspiration for generations to come, and this region will now continue to move forward on the path of peace, progress and glory.