Raipur, August 12, 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today stated that freedom is not merely a celebration of rights for us, but also a pledge to fulfill our duties and obligations towards the nation.
Sai emphasized that we must always remember it is our collective responsibility to safeguard this precious freedom, won through the struggles of millions of countrymen, to strengthen democratic values, and to propel the nation forward on the path of continuous progress.
Highlighting Chhattisgarh’s glorious contribution to the freedom struggle, the Chief Minister noted that the state’s soil gave birth to many brave sons who fought against injustice and British rule. The immortal martyr Veer Narayan Singh challenged British rule to uphold the rights of the poor and needy and made the ultimate sacrifice for the motherland. Veer Gundadhur, a people’s hero from Bastar, led the Bhumkal movement and raised the voice of the tribal community against British rule. The valour and sacrifice of such great fighters constitute Chhattisgarh’s glorious heritage.
Sai remarked that events like ‘Azadi Ki Dhun’ connect the younger generation, in particular, with the struggle for freedom and its underlying values. It is essential for the new generation to realize that the independent India where they are currently pursuing their dreams is built upon the struggles and sacrifices of countless known and unknown freedom fighters. Drawing inspiration from the ideals of these freedom fighters and playing an active role in nation-building would be the true tribute to them.
Chief Minister Sai attended the ‘Azadi Ki Dhun’ ceremony and encouraged the young artists. Held ahead of Independence Day, this special event featured captivating patriotic musical performances that filled the audience with a deep sense of patriotism.
At the ‘Azadi Ki Dhun’ event held at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in collaboration with the Department of Culture, 100 young artists from various regions of the state created a unique atmosphere of patriotism by performing together as a live band using diverse musical instruments.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that ‘Azadi Ki Dhun’, organized to mark Independence Day, offers a golden opportunity to spread the spirit of patriotism among the masses and to honour the sacrifices, dedication, and martyrdom of our freedom fighters. ‘Azadi Ki Dhun’ reminds us of our glorious history, instills an awareness of our present duties, and inspires a resolve to build a bright future.
The Chief Minister remarked that music possesses the extraordinary power to evoke emotions and unite people. During the Indian freedom movement, songs, poems, and slogans played a pivotal role in awakening the consciousness of liberty among the countrymen. Patriotic songs boosted the morale of our revolutionaries and freedom fighters during the most trying times and united millions of Indians in the pursuit of independence. Even today, the sound of patriotic tunes spontaneously evokes a sense of pride and dedication towards the nation.
Paying tribute to the immortal heroes of the freedom struggle, Sai noted that the nation’s independence was achieved through countless sacrifices. Many revolutionaries laid down their lives for the motherland, thousands of freedom fighters endured the harsh ordeals of imprisonment, and millions of citizens dedicated their all to the nation. The struggles of countless national icons and freedom fighters, including the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Veer Savarkar, and Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, laid the foundation of an independent India. The fact that we are able to realize our dreams in an atmosphere of freedom today is due to the dedication, struggle, and sacrifice of our forebears.
The Chief Minister mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed before the nation the resolve to transform India into a developed nation by the year 2047, marking the centenary of its independence. This resolve belongs not merely to the government but is the collective pledge of the nation’s 1.4 billion citizens. To realize this vision, every section of society, especially the youth, must step forward, bringing their energy, talent, and capabilities to the fore.
He stated that the Chhattisgarh government is also working ceaselessly towards building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) with the resolve to create a ‘Viksit Chhattisgarh’ (Developed Chhattisgarh). Our endeavor is to ensure that the light of development reaches every village, every family, and every individual in the state, and that Chhattisgarh plays a pivotal role in the nation’s progress, commensurate with its potential and possibilities. He called upon the youth to contribute to the creation of a developed India and a developed Chhattisgarh by discharging their duties with a spirit of ‘Nation First.’
Extending his best wishes for the Hareli festival and conveying advance greetings for Independence Day to the artists and youth present at the event, Sai remarked that this celebration of freedom not only reminds us of our glorious past but also inspires us to pledge ourselves to building a bright future.
Dignitaries present on the occasion included Mona Sen, Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation; Shashank Sharma, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Sahitya Akademi; Anjay Shukla, Vice-Chairman of the Local Health Tradition and Medicinal Plants Board; and Indrajit Singh Khalsa, Chairman of the Scouts and Guides; alongside other public representatives, prominent citizens, artists, and a large number of people.
