Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai unveils life-size statue of Baba Kartik Oraon on his birth centenary
Major announcement by the Chief Minister: Government Engineering College, Digma, to be renamed ‘Engineer Baba Kartik Oraon Chhattisgarh Institute of Technology, Ambikapur’
Sitapur gets a 3.82-km four-lane road project worth over ₹28 crore; Chief Minister performs Bhoomipujan
Chief Minister inaugurates Women’s NGO Mess and police residential buildings constructed by the Police Housing Corporation
Baba Kartik Oraon showed the tribal community the path to progress through education, organisation and social awareness: Chief Minister Shri Sai
Baba Kartik Oraon’s contribution to safeguarding the self-respect, cultural identity and rights of the tribal community will always be remembered: Chief Minister
State government committed to preserving the glorious legacy of tribal icons and taking their ideals to the younger generation
Decisive success against Naxalism ushers in a new era of peace, trust and development in Bastar: Chief Minister Shri Sai
Chhattisgarh will play an important role in building a developed India; our resolve is to make the state prosperous and self-reliant: Chief Minister
Raipur, October 29, 2026/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday virtually attended the birth centenary celebrations of Baba Kartik Oraon, the eminent tribal leader, renowned engineer and former Member of Parliament, held in the Surguja region. He joined the celebrations from his residence at Civil Lines in Raipur and unveiled a grand life-size statue of Baba Kartik Oraon on the occasion.
Respecting the sentiments of the tribal community, Chief Minister Shri Sai also announced that Government Engineering College, Digma, Ambikapur, would be renamed ‘Engineer Baba Kartik Oraon Chhattisgarh Institute of Technology, Ambikapur’. He said Baba Kartik Oraon’s life is an inspiring story of education, struggle, social awareness and the self-respect of the tribal community. His ideals would continue to inspire future generations to advance through education and serve society and the nation.
The Chief Minister also performed Bhoomipujan for a 3.82-km four-lane road from Sontarai to Soor in the Sitapur area, dedicating a major infrastructure project for the region. The road will be constructed at a cost of over ₹28 crore. Once completed, it will make travel safer and more convenient for residents of Sitapur town and nearby rural areas while giving fresh impetus to commercial and economic activities.
Chief Minister Shri Sai also inaugurated the newly constructed Women’s NGO Mess building, 12 residential units for non-gazetted officers and 12 residential units for head constables and constables at Udaipur, as well as 12 residential units for head constables and constables at Sitapur police station, built by the Chhattisgarh Police Housing Corporation. He said providing better residential facilities to police officers and personnel is an important responsibility of the state government. The new buildings will provide police personnel and their families with a more comfortable living environment.
Baba Kartik Oraon dedicated his life to the self-respect and upliftment of the tribal community
Paying tribute to Baba Kartik Oraon on his birth centenary, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said he was not merely a prominent leader of the tribal community but also a visionary thinker, highly educated engineer and vigilant champion of its rights. He dedicated his entire life to promoting education and social awareness and protecting the cultural identity of tribal communities.
The Chief Minister said Baba Kartik Oraon pursued higher education at a time when educational opportunities for tribal communities were extremely limited. He studied engineering and pursued advanced studies abroad, establishing a distinctive identity for himself. His achievements will remain a source of pride and inspiration for the entire tribal community.
He added that Baba Kartik Oraon regarded education not merely as a means of personal growth but as the most powerful instrument for bringing about social change. He believed that education, collective action and awareness enabled communities to protect their rights and secure a dignified place in the mainstream of development.
He said Baba Kartik Oraon urged the tribal community to remain conscious of its traditions, culture and identity. Alongside strengthening community organisation, he encouraged the younger generation to pursue modern education and play an active role in nation-building. His life demonstrates that determination, hard work and education can lead to remarkable achievements even in difficult circumstances.
Baba Kartik Oraon became a strong voice for tribal rights in Parliament
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that as a Lok Sabha member, Baba Kartik Oraon raised the concerns and rights of the tribal community effectively at the national level. He consistently worked to safeguard the community’s constitutional rights, social interests and cultural identity.
The Chief Minister noted that Baba Kartik Oraon had also prominently raised in Parliament issues concerning the eligibility of individuals who had converted to another religion for tribal reservation benefits and other constitutional safeguards.
Shri Sai said Baba Kartik Oraon believed that the tribal community’s rich traditions, customs and cultural heritage formed the foundation of its identity. It’s essential to preserve this heritage while connecting the community with opportunities in education, technology and modern development. His ideas remain relevant and continue to guide efforts towards the holistic development of tribal communities, the Chief Minister said.
Renaming the engineering college after Baba Kartik Oraon will inspire the younger generation
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that on the occasion of Baba Kartik Oraon’s birth centenary, members of the tribal community and the local Member of Parliament have requested that Government Engineering College, Digma, Ambikapur, be named after him. Respecting the sentiments of the tribal community and recognising Baba Kartik Oraon’s historic contributions, the state government has accepted the request.
The Chief Minister announced that Government Engineering College, Digma, Ambikapur, would henceforth be known as ‘Engineer Baba Kartik Oraon Chhattisgarh Institute of Technology, Ambikapur’.
He said the decision holds special significance because Baba Kartik Oraon himself was a distinguished engineer. Naming an engineering institution after him honours his legacy and inspires students to learn from his struggles, academic achievements and dedication to society.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that young people graduating from the institution would make significant contributions to the development of Chhattisgarh and the country through their talent, knowledge and technical skills. He said the state government is committed to providing better opportunities for quality higher and technical education to young people, particularly students from remote and tribal areas.
Government committed to preserving the enduring legacy of tribal icons
Expressing happiness over the unveiling of Baba Kartik Oraon’s life-size statue, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Bhoomipujan for the statue was performed a year earlier and the commitment has now been fulfilled. He appreciated the efforts of Ambikapur Municipal Corporation Mayor Smt. Manjusha Bhagat, public representatives, officials, employees and local residents in completing the project.
The Chief Minister said that tribal icons make significant contributions to social awareness, the protection of cultural heritage and the country’s development. He said it is everyone’s responsibility to pass on their life stories and struggles to the younger generation. Statues of great personalities, he said, are not merely memorials but enduring reminders of their ideals, thoughts and contributions.
He also noted that the statue of the late Kaka Larang Sai, a prominent tribal leader from the Surguja region and former Union Minister, was unveiled a day earlier in his native village of Chirai Jaswantpur. He said the lives of great leaders such as Kaka Larang Sai and Baba Kartik Oraon reflect a deep commitment to public service, social upliftment and the empowerment of tribal communities.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is consistently working to preserve the memory of great tribal leaders and familiarise the younger generation with their ideas and contributions. He said such efforts strengthen society’s respect for its glorious heritage and foster a sense of pride in its identity.
3.82-km four-lane road in Sitapur to ease travel and accelerate regional development
Performing Bhoomipujan for the four-lane road in Sitapur, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said the state government is committed to developing modern, safe and strong infrastructure in rural areas as well as cities. Better road connectivity, he said, is a key foundation for the social and economic development of any region.
The Chief Minister said that an approximately 3.82-km stretch of the national highway from Sontarai to Soor in Sitapur would be upgraded to four lanes, with more than ₹28 crore being spent on the project. He said the widening would improve traffic movement across most of Sitapur’s urban area and provide residents with safer and more convenient travel.
He said Sitapur is an important commercial and transport centre in the Surguja region. Residents from surrounding rural areas frequently travel to the town for government work, trade, education, healthcare and weekly markets. The four-lane road would directly benefit these commuters.
The Chief Minister said improved road connectivity would encourage commercial activity, make local markets more accessible and create new opportunities for employment and economic growth. He said the state government’s objective is to ensure that the benefits of infrastructure development reach not only major cities but also smaller towns, settlements and rural communities.
Better residential facilities for police officers and personnel
Chief Minister Shri Sai expressed satisfaction over the inauguration of buildings constructed by the Chhattisgarh Police Housing Corporation. He said police officers and personnel play a vital role in maintaining law and order in the state and discharge their responsibilities with dedication, even in difficult circumstances.
He said providing the police force with a better working environment and essential facilities is the state government’s responsibility. Accordingly, special attention is being given to expanding residential and other basic facilities for the police department.
The Chief Minister inaugurated the Women’s NGO Mess building, 12 residential units for non-gazetted officers and 12 residential units for head constables and constables at Udaipur, along with 12 residential units for head constables and constables at Sitapur police station. He expressed confidence that these facilities would provide police officers and personnel with better living conditions and enable them to discharge their duties with greater morale and enthusiasm.
Decisive success against Naxalism opens a new chapter of development in Bastar
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said the state government is approaching the completion of three years in office. During this period, several important initiatives have been undertaken in development, public welfare and good governance. In particular, decisive progress in the fight against Naxalism has opened new possibilities for peace, trust and development in the remote areas of Bastar.
The Chief Minister said tribal communities in Bastar have faced the serious challenge of Naxalism for more than four decades. Naxalite violence has made it difficult to extend basic facilities such as roads, electricity, drinking water, education, healthcare and communication to several remote areas. Development projects have faced obstacles, and local residents have had to contend with numerous hardships.
He said significant success has been achieved in the fight against Naxalism through the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the firm resolve of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah, and the courage and valour of security personnel. Coordinated efforts by the Central and state governments are creating a new atmosphere of peace and development in Bastar.
The Chief Minister said areas where Naxalite violence once made development difficult are now witnessing the expansion of roads, electricity, drinking water, education, healthcare and communication facilities. He said the government is fully committed to connecting remote villages with the mainstream of development.
He said the state government’s objective is to ensure that every village in Bastar has access to basic facilities and that residents benefit from better opportunities in education, healthcare, employment and livelihoods. The government continues to work with the resolve to ensure that development schemes reach the last person in society.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said the tribal communities of Bastar have preserved their rich culture, traditions and values despite difficult circumstances. With a new environment of peace and development taking shape, he said, Bastar’s younger generation now has the opportunity to move forward through their talent and capabilities and play an important role in the progress of the state and the country.
Chhattisgarh’s natural wealth and hardworking people are its greatest strengths in building a developed state
Chief Minister Shri Sai said Chhattisgarh is rich in natural resources and development potential. The state has abundant mineral wealth, extensive forest cover, fertile agricultural land and considerable scope for industrial growth. However, he said, its greatest strength lies in its people, known for their simplicity, warmth, hard work and talent.
He said the warmth, diligence, cultural richness and social harmony of Chhattisgarh’s people give the state a distinct identity in the country. The popular saying “Chhattisgarhiya Sable Badhiya” is not merely a familiar expression but also reflects the people’s straightforward nature, hard work and pride in their values.
The Chief Minister said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has set the goal of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047, and Chhattisgarh will play an important role in realising this national vision. The state government is continuously working across sectors, including agriculture, industry, education, healthcare, infrastructure, technology, employment and tribal development.
He said the government’s priorities include making effective use of the state’s natural wealth, creating opportunities for young people, empowering women, ensuring farmers’ prosperity and extending the benefits of development to the last person in society. He said public participation and the cooperation of the people are crucial to this development journey.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that, with the affection, support and blessings of the people, Chhattisgarh would reach new heights of development in the coming years and make a leading contribution to building a developed India.
Chief Minister Shri Sai extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the people of the Surguja region and the entire state on the occasion of Baba Kartik Oraon’s birth centenary celebrations and the launch of various development projects.
Addressing the programme, Tribal Development Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam said Baba Kartik Oraon was a great leader of the tribal community, an incisive thinker and a visionary leader. He made historic contributions to raising awareness about education, preserving cultural identity and strengthening social organisation among tribal communities.
Shri Netam said Baba Kartik Oraon not only made tribal communities aware of their rights but also highlighted the importance of education and collective organisation. His efforts generated a new sense of awareness and confidence within the community. His ideas and ideals, he said, continue to inspire tribal communities to unite and progress.
Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade said Baba Kartik Oraon dedicated his entire life to the upliftment of tribal communities and the protection of their rights. He made significant contributions to education, social awareness and the preservation of tribal cultural identity.
She added that Baba Kartik Oraon effectively raised the voice of tribal communities in Parliament and consistently fought to protect their interests. His life continues to inspire the younger generation to pursue education, take pride in their culture and contribute to society’s development.
Tourism Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal said Baba Kartik Oraon used the power of education to foster a new sense of awareness among tribal communities. He conveyed the message of education, organisation, social awareness and cultural preservation to tribal communities across the Surguja region and beyond.
Shri Agrawal said Baba Kartik Oraon established a distinctive national identity through his talent and leadership. He made notable contributions to preserving the rich heritage of tribal communities and connecting them with the mainstream of development. His contributions, he said, will always be remembered.
Member of Parliament Shri Chintamani Maharaj said Baba Kartik Oraon was a great leader who dedicated his entire life to the dignity, rights and development of tribal communities. Alongside achieving remarkable success in education, he effectively raised issues concerning tribal communities at the national level.
He added that the deep respect and reverence that tribal communities continue to hold for Baba Kartik Oraon decades later reflect his remarkable personality and historic contributions to society. His ideas and ideals continue to provide direction and inspiration.
He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai for attending the birth centenary celebrations virtually, unveiling Baba Kartik Oraon’s life-size statue and announcing the renaming of the government engineering college after him. He also thanked the Chief Minister for announcing development projects for the Sitapur region, including the four-lane road.
MLA Smt. Uddheshwari Paikra, MLA Shri Ramkumar Toppo, Ambikapur Municipal Corporation Mayor Smt. Manjusha Bhagat, Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram President Shri Satyendra Singh, Patron Shri Ganesh Ram Bhagat, committee president Dr. Azad Bhagat, other public representatives, dignitaries, officials, employees and a large number of local residents were present on the occasion.
