Raipur, May 29, 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai today held a cordial meeting with Padma Shri awardee social worker couple Dr. Sunita Godbole and Dr. Ramchandra Godbole and commended their service work for over four decades in Bastar and the tribal community.
During their meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence, the Godbole couple expressed their deep love for Bastar and its people. We communicate with them in Gondi and Halbi; this is our culture, and we don’t want to leave Bastar now.
Sai described this warm gesture as a symbol of deep dedication to Bastar, its culture, and its tribal community, saying that this is not just a matter of service, but a rare example of human intimacy, sensitivity, and social commitment.
Congratulating the Godbole couple, the Chief Minister stated that their Padma Shri award is not merely a personal achievement, but a matter of respect for the entire state, especially Bastar, the tribal community, and the people of Bastar.
Sai stated that the honouring of the Godbole couple, who exemplify service, dedication, and humanity, is a proud moment for Chhattisgarh. He stated that Dr. Sunita Godbole and Dr. Ramchandra Godbole, working with dedication and sensitivity for more than four decades in remote areas like Bastar and Abujhmad, have set an example that the true meaning of service is to extend affection, trust, and human compassion to the most needy in society.
He said that even during the difficult times of Naxalism, the Godbole couple did not abandon the path of service and continued to work among the tribal community, keeping humanity paramount. He said that even in the face of fear and insecurity, their faith and commitment to Bastar and its people remained unwavering.
The Chief Minister said that this demonstrates their deep and intimate love for the state, its culture, and tribal community.
Sai said that he has personally been associated with the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram and knows that the Ashram’s values strengthen the spirit of service, dedication, and intimacy towards society. He said that the Ashram’s journey and its core objectives are linked to the idea of providing sensitivity and cordial support to the last person in society, and that this work lays a strong foundation for positive change in society.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister, while interacting with the Godbole couple, also shared information about the micro-level efforts and action plans being undertaken by the State Government for the development of Bastar. The Chief Minister said that the State Government is seriously pursuing a policy of development and trust in Bastar so that governance, services, and opportunities are accessible to the people along with security.
