C. P. Radhakrishnan, graced the Closing Ceremony of the Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav held in Nava Raipur today as the Chief Guest. The event marked 25 years since the formation of the State of Chhattisgarh, celebrating its inspiring journey of growth, progress, and cultural richness.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President expressed immense pleasure in joining the people of Chhattisgarh during this historic Silver Jubilee celebration, inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Over the five-day festival, people witnessed the rich culture of Chhattisgarh and glimpses of its impressive socio-economic transformation.
The Vice-President recalled with pride the visionary leadership of the late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee in creating the State on 1st November 2000, and reflected personally on his association as a former Lok Sabha MP who had supported the State Reorganisation Bill. He lauded Chhattisgarh’s extraordinary 25-year journey — from being one of India’s youngest states to emerging as a model of progress in social, economic, cultural, and administrative spheres.
Shri C.P.Radhakrishnan commended the State’s success in eradicating the menace of Naxalism, crediting the resolute leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah , along with the dedicated efforts of the State Government, security forces, and local communities. He said that development and trust have replaced fear and violence in Chhattisgarh.
The Vice-President lauded the people who form the foundation of Chhattisgarh’s success — farmers, tribal communities, entrepreneurs, teachers, and youth. He especially appreciated the State’s exemplary Public Distribution System, which provides free food grains to over 72 lakh beneficiaries, and congratulated former Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh for strengthening the Public Distribution System.
Shri C.P.Radhakrishnan paid respect to tribal communities for preserving the State’s natural and cultural heritage. He lauded the tribal communities for their wisdom, culture, and sustainable way of life, which hold deep relevance in today’s ecological and social context.
The Vice-President also highlighted the remarkable infrastructural development in the State, including extensive road, rail, expressway, and airport connectivity that has linked remote districts to national markets. He praised Nava Raipur as India’s first greenfield city, poised to become a Global Capability Centre through new-age initiatives such as the IT Hub, Pharma Hub, AI Data Centre Park, and a world-class Medicity for advanced healthcare.
He underscored Chhattisgarh’s embrace of emerging technologies, including semiconductor manufacturing and digital governance reforms under the “Anjor Vision @2047,” aimed at driving economic expansion, human development, and sustainable governance aligned with the national vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Celebrating the cultural vibrancy of Chhattisgarh, the Vice-President lauded the region’s traditional dances such as Panthi and Karma, and its rich tribal arts and crafts. He said that Chhattisgarh exemplifies the Indian spirit of unity in diversity, where cultural preservation and modernization go hand in hand.
Emphasizing the meaning of real progress, Shri C.P.Radhakrishnan said that “Progress is not measured only by GDP, but also by the smiles on people’s faces, by the trust they repose in governance, and by the hope shining in every child’s eyes.”
Concluding his address, the Vice-President urged the youth of Chhattisgarh to seize emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, green technologies, and global markets, and to contribute to nation-building with courage, creativity, and compassion.
He said that the Rajat Mahotsav should not be viewed merely as a celebration of the past, but as a pledge for the future — a pledge to build a Developed India through a Developed Chhattisgarh, to strengthen democracy, honour culture, and leave a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.
The Governor of Chhattisgarh, Shri Ramen Deka; Chief Minister, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai; Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, Dr. Raman Singh; and other dignitaries were present at the Closing Ceremony of the Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav