Raipur, August 15, 2026: On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated a seven-day photo exhibition organized by the Public Relations Department at the historic Town Hall in the capital, Raipur.
Encapsulating Chhattisgarh’s contribution to the freedom struggle, the valour and sacrifice of immortal freedom fighters, the glorious 150-year journey of ‘Vande Mataram’, and the state’s achievements in good governance and development, this exhibition effectively presents Chhattisgarh’s journey, spanning from the glory of the past to present-day achievements and future aspirations.
Chief Minister Sai toured the various sections of the exhibition and showed keen interest in the rare photographs, documents, and informative materials on display.
He stated that many brave sons of Chhattisgarh’s soil struggled and sacrificed for the country’s freedom. It is our responsibility to convey their contributions and inspiring tales of patriotism to the new generation. Such exhibitions not only acquaint the youth with their glorious history but also strengthen their sense of patriotism, duty, and dedication to the nation.
The Chief Minister remarked that this exhibition does not merely recall history; by drawing inspiration from our heritage, it reinforces the resolve to build a developed Chhattisgarh and a developed India. On one hand, it features the immortal sagas of the freedom fighters’ struggles and sacrifices, while on the other, it showcases the image of a transforming Chhattisgarh through public welfare schemes, good governance, modern infrastructure, and new technology.
A special highlight of the exhibition is the section dedicated to the glorious 150-year journey of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’. It presents the journey, from the composition of ‘Vande Mataram’ to its establishment as a mantra for national awakening during the freedom movement, through historical contexts and photographs.
During the freedom movement, ‘Vande Mataram’ played a pivotal role in uniting the countrymen and instilling a spirit of sacrifice and dedication for the motherland. Its strains infused fresh energy into freedom fighters and revolutionaries. By according a special place to this historic 150-year journey within the exhibition, the new generation is being introduced to the patriotic sentiment and historical significance of ‘Vande Mataram’.
The exhibition showcases Chhattisgarh’s role in the freedom struggle in great detail. Rare photographs, documents, and historical episodes highlighting the contributions of the state’s freedom fighters, public leaders, and immortal martyrs offer visitors a glimpse into the era when the call for struggle against British rule and for public awakening resonated across the soil of Chhattisgarh.
Significant episodes related to Mahatma Gandhi’s visits to Chhattisgarh and the social and national movements here have been given a prominent place in the exhibition. Through these historical documents, the new generation will be able to appreciate the vast and glorious contribution of Chhattisgarh to India’s freedom struggle.
On the occasion of Independence Day, Chief Minister Sai announced a grant of Rs 50 lakh each for the conservation, beautification, and renovation of two significant historical landmarks in the capital, Raipur: the Town Hall and the Shaheed Smarak (Martyrs’ Memorial).
The Chief Minister remarked that the Shaheed Smarak preserves the memories of the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation, while the historic Town Hall is an integral part of Raipur’s rich heritage and cultural identity. Preserving these landmarks is an expression of respect for our glorious heritage.
He stated that the state government is moving forward with the vision of ‘Heritage to Development’. Our endeavor is to ensure that the dignity of the state’s historical and cultural heritage remains intact alongside the pace of modern development. Revamping these sites will enable the new generation to gain a deeper understanding of their history, culture, and the legacy of sacrifice.
A significant section of the exhibition focuses on the state government’s public welfare schemes and the positive changes they have brought to the lives of ordinary citizens. It showcases schemes and initiatives that improve the lives of women, farmers, youth, workers, and needy families through photographs and informative material.
The exhibition highlights the economic empowerment of women through the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana,’ the support provided to farmers via the ‘Krishak Unnati Yojana,’ and the realization of the dream of owning a permanent home for needy families under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.’ Prominence is also given to the expansion of education, skill development, employment, and new opportunities for the youth, as well as welfare schemes implemented for various sections of society, including workers.
The exhibition conveys the message that the true objective of good governance is to bring about positive and lasting changes in the lives of individuals by ensuring that the benefits of schemes reach the last person in the queue.
The state’s journey of development is also effectively presented in the exhibition. It offers glimpses of transparency in administration through digital registration, the resolution of public grievances through ‘Sushasan Tihar’ (Good Governance Festival), efforts towards a ‘Green Chhattisgarh,’ and the expansion of education and infrastructure.
Transformations taking place across various sectors, including improved road and rail connectivity, industrial infrastructure, investment, and new employment opportunities, are also showcased. Thus, the exhibition presents Chhattisgarh’s glorious past and its rapidly taking-shape future side by side.
The Chief Minister stated that the struggles of freedom fighters inspire us to fulfill our duties toward the nation, and this very inspiration fuels our efforts to build a developed Chhattisgarh.
An innovative blend of modern technology and Chhattisgarh’s heritage serves as a key attraction at the exhibition. Through a special AI-based initiative, visitors can have digital photos created featuring backdrops of the state’s major pilgrimage and tourist sites. This feature has generated particular excitement among children and the youth.
This initiative leverages technology to connect the new generation with the state’s tourism, cultural, and religious heritage in an engaging manner. Visitors can also take home these digital photos as a memento of the exhibition.
Visitors can record their thoughts and experiences regarding Independence Day, patriotism, and Chhattisgarh’s development journey in the visitor’s diary kept at the venue. A special documentary film highlighting the state’s achievements, public welfare schemes, and development journey is also being screened.
While recording his thoughts in the visitor’s book, Chief Minister Sai extended Independence Day greetings to the people of the state. Praising the exhibition organized by the Public Relations Department, he described it as a valuable effort to effectively showcase the contributions of freedom fighters alongside government schemes and achievements.
Urging the people of the state, especially the youth and students, to visit the exhibition, the Chief Minister remarked that understanding our history and heritage fosters an awareness of our present-day duties and inspires us to build a better future.
Senior officials and staff from the Public Relations Department were present on the occasion, including the Chief Minister’s Advisor R. Krishna Das, MLA Purandar Mishra, Public Relations Commissioner Rajat Bansal, Raipur Collector Gaurav Singh, and Additional Directors Umesh Mishra, Sanjeev Tiwari, and Alok Dev.
It is noteworthy that this seven-day exhibition at the historic Town Hall, located at Kachhari Chowk, will be open for public viewing daily from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM, from August 15 to August 21, 2026.
