President Droupadi Murmu delivered a powerful message from the heart of Chhattisgarh on Thursday, stating that thousands of Naxalites in the state and across the country have begun voluntarily laying down arms and embracing the mainstream of national development, signalling the beginning of the end for Left-Wing Extremism that has plagued India for over five decades.

Speaking at the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas celebrations in Ambikapur, the headquarters of Surguja district, the President emphasised that relentless, coordinated operations and development initiatives jointly executed by the Central and state governments have created an environment where insurgents no longer see violence as a viable path. She described the mass return of former Maoists to society as “a very satisfying change” and asserted that complete eradication of LWE is now within reach in the near future.

Highlighting tangible proof of transformation in once-restive areas, President Murmu pointed to the recently concluded Bastar Olympics, where more than 1.65 lakh tribal youth enthusiastically participated in sports instead of conflict. She said this unprecedented turnout in the heartland of former Naxal strongholds demonstrates how government outreach, infrastructure growth, and empowerment programmes have replaced fear with hope and opportunity.

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Turning her focus to women’s empowerment, the President lauded tribal cricketer Kranti Goud, a daughter of Chhattisgarh who overcame poverty and countless obstacles to secure her place in India’s World Cup-winning women’s cricket team. President Murmu hailed Kranti’s journey as a revolutionary example of courage and perseverance that will inspire millions of tribal girls to dream beyond traditional barriers and contribute to nation-building.

In the presence of Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, senior ministers, and thousands of tribal citizens gathered to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, President Murmu called for the preservation and global promotion of indigenous sports while reaffirming that the tribal community’s natural talent and unbreakable spirit will be instrumental in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a strong, self-reliant, and fully Viksit Bharat by 2047.

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