President Droupadi Murmu Calls on Youth to Dream Big, Serve Nation; Highlights Women’s Empowerment at Raipur Event
Raipur, October 22, 2026: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday urged young people to dream big, develop a broad outlook and dedicate their achievements to the service of society and the nation. Addressing the Seva Samman Parv and Yuva Prabodhan Samaroh in Raipur on the occasion of Nuakhai, she emphasised that youth participation, women’s empowerment and collective responsibility are essential to building a developed India by 2047.
The programme was organised at Sardar Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in the presence of Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, public representatives and a large gathering of youth, women and citizens.
The President said young people should constantly learn, develop new skills and approach challenges with courage. Rather than being discouraged by failure, they should learn from their experiences, improve themselves and continue moving forward.
She stressed that knowledge must be accompanied by humility, ambition by ethics, and success by a spirit of service. According to her, achievements become meaningful when an individual’s knowledge helps those in need, talent solves problems and success brings positive change to society.
‘Respect Food, Honour Farmers and Protect Natural Resources’
Extending Nuakhai greetings, President Murmu described the festival as a celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage, agricultural traditions and social harmony.
She said Nuakhai provides an opportunity to reconnect with one’s roots, preserve traditional values and pass them on to future generations. The festival also expresses gratitude to nature and recognises the contribution of farmers.
Emphasising the importance of food security and environmental conservation, the President said food represents not merely a means of satisfying hunger but also the hard work of farmers, the generosity of the earth and nature’s invaluable gifts.
She called upon citizens to respect food, acknowledge farmers’ contributions and protect natural resources as a collective responsibility.
Women’s Equal Participation Essential for Developed India
President Murmu said India cannot achieve its full development potential without the equal participation and empowerment of women.
She expressed happiness over the participation of a large number of women in the programme and called for greater opportunities for them to pursue their ambitions and contribute to society.
The President also urged men, particularly young men, to ensure that their sisters and daughters receive an environment in which they can fulfil their dreams without obstacles.
She emphasised that respect for women must be reflected not only in words but also in people’s attitudes, behaviour and everyday actions.
Areas Once Affected by Naxalism Now Witnessing Development
Referring to changes in Chhattisgarh, President Murmu expressed satisfaction that the efforts of the Central and State Governments, along with the determination of young people, were encouraging youth to abandon the path of Naxalism and join the mainstream.
She said areas that once experienced an atmosphere of fear and violence were now witnessing development. The transformation, she noted, was benefiting young people and their families while contributing to the wider progress of Chhattisgarh and the country.
Governor Ramen Deka Calls for Service-Oriented Youth
Governor Ramen Deka extended Nuakhai Juhar greetings to the people of Chhattisgarh and described the festival as a symbol of agricultural heritage, gratitude to Mother Earth and social unity.
He said the President’s presence was a matter of pride for the state and that her journey, marked by struggle, simplicity, dedication and service, offered inspiration to people across the country.
The Governor urged young people to make service an integral part of their lives, stay away from substance abuse and misguided paths, and contribute to nation-building through knowledge, skills and innovation.
He also praised blood donors, particularly women, and described blood donation as a valuable service to humanity.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai Says President’s Journey Inspires Daughters and Youth
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed President Murmu on behalf of the people of Chhattisgarh, saying that she shared a special bond with the state and enjoyed immense respect and affection among its people.
He said her journey from a small village in Odisha to the country’s highest constitutional office was an inspiring example of determination, education, simplicity and public service, particularly for women, young people and communities in tribal and rural areas.
The Chief Minister said the celebration of Seva Samman and Yuva Prabodhan alongside Nuakhai reflected the state’s effort to connect cultural traditions with social service and youth development.
He also highlighted the longstanding cultural and social ties between Chhattisgarh and Odisha, acknowledging the contribution of the Odia community to the state’s development.
Five New Medical Colleges, AI Training for Six Lakh Students
Highlighting the State Government’s initiatives for youth development, Chief Minister Sai said young people would play a decisive role in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047.
He said five new medical colleges had been started in Geedam, Kunkuri, Janjgir-Champa, Manendragarh and Kawardha to expand access to medical education.
A National Skill Training Institute is being established in Nava Raipur, where approximately 4,000 young people are expected to receive training in modern technology and vocational skills annually.
The Chhattisgarh State AI Mission aims to provide artificial intelligence training to six lakh students, while a startup fund of 100 crore rupees has been created under the state’s Startup Promotion Policy to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Chief Minister also referred to steps towards establishing institutions such as a forensic university campus, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) in the state.
He added that the government had decided to provide 10 per cent reservation in direct recruitment to the posts of police constable, forest guard and prison warder for eligible Agniveers from Chhattisgarh after completion of their four-year military service.
Sai said the government was committed to expanding opportunities in education, employment, skill development, innovation and entrepreneurship so that young people could use their abilities to build a developed Chhattisgarh.
2,548 People Donate Blood, Including 1,188 Women
The Raktadan Mahakumbh, organised under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, emerged as a major highlight of the programme.
According to the Chief Minister, a total of 2,548 people, including 1,188 women, voluntarily donated blood during the campaign.
Sai congratulated the donors and said their participation demonstrated Chhattisgarh’s spirit of service, community involvement and women’s empowerment.
Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma, Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma, Food Minister Dayaldas Baghel, Technical Education Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb, Rajya Sabha MP Laxmi Verma, MLA Purandar Mishra and other public representatives attended the event.
The programme highlighted the importance of youth leadership, women’s empowerment, cultural heritage and community service in the collective effort to build a developed Chhattisgarh and a developed India.
