PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES ‘SEVA SAMMAN PARV’ AND ‘YUVA PRABODHAN’ ON THE OCCASION OF NUAKHAI FESTIVAL IN RAIPUR

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu graced ‘Seva Samman Parv’ and ‘Yuva Prabodhan’ on the occasion of the Nuakhai festival in Raipur, Chhattisgarh today (October 22, 2026).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that Nuakhai Milan Samaroh is not merely a cultural celebration; it is a tribute to our rich traditions, social harmony and unity. Such occasions provide us with an opportunity to reconnect with our roots, take pride in our cultural heritage, and pass on the life values to future generations.

The President stated that the Nuakhai festival is a celebration of our agricultural traditions, an expression of gratitude toward nature and a testament to the spirit of community. This festival reminds us that food is not just a means to satisfy hunger; it is a symbol of the hard work of our farmers, the generosity of Mother Earth and the invaluable gifts of nature. She underlined that it is our collective responsibility to respect food, acknowledge the contributions of our farmers, and protect our natural resources.

Addressing the youth present in large numbers, the President said that circumstances may vary, and challenges may differ; yet, youth should possess a deep-seated drive to innovate, to create something better, and to establish their own unique identity. She said that when they align their individual endeavours with collective and national goals, they pave the way for the nation’s progress. She advised them to dream big, broaden their horizons, uphold the highest standards of conduct, and place service to society and the nation at the centre of their endeavours. She encouraged the youth to pursue every endeavour with honesty, integrity and sensitivity. She emphasised that nation-building is not accomplished through major decisions alone, but also through the small, sincere efforts of millions of citizens. She urged them to combine knowledge with humility, ambition with ethical values, and success with a spirit of service, highlighting that these qualities would strengthen their contribution to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

The President was happy to note the participation of a large number of women in the Nuakhai Milan Samaroh. She said that the nation is moving forward with the goal of a Viksit Bharat by the year 2047. To achieve this goal, the equal participation of women is absolutely essential. She urged all women to participate actively in the affairs of the nation and society. She said that when they progress, the benefits will extend not only to them or their family but to the entire society and the nation. She urged men, especially the youth, to provide an environment for their sisters and daughters in which they can realize their dreams without any barriers. She said that respect for women should not merely be expressed in words; it must be reflected in their behaviour, mindset, and daily conduct.

The President was happy to note that through the efforts of the central and state governments, combined with their own strength of will, the youth of Chhattisgarh have moved away from the path of Naxalism and joined the mainstream. The light of development is now replacing the darkness of terror. She said that this transformation is leading to the well-being of the young people and their families while accelerating the development of the state and the country.