“Once a Red Corridor Stronghold, Abujhmad Now Symbolises India’s Last-Mile Development Success”
Abujhmad Features in Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Reflecting India’s Inclusive Development Journey
Once Defined by Isolation and Insurgency, the Region is Now Gaining National Recognition for Progress, Tribal Empowerment and Public Trust
Narayanpur. In a significant reflection of the socio-economic transformation unfolding in some of India’s most remote regions, Abujhmad—once synonymous with Left-Wing Extremism, geographical isolation and developmental challenges—found a place in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat on Sunday. The inclusion of visuals from Irakbhatti village in Narayanpur district during the 134th edition of the programme was hailed by state Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap as a landmark moment for the region and its people.
Participating in the community listening event at Irakbhatti alongside local residents, elected representatives and party workers, Mr. Kashyap described the national recognition as an affirmation of the transformative changes taking place in Abujhmad under the broader framework of inclusive governance and last-mile development.
“Abujhmad was once discussed primarily in the context of insurgency, inaccessibility and deprivation. Today, it is increasingly being recognised for development, tribal empowerment and growing public confidence in democratic institutions,” Mr. Kashyap said.
He attributed the change to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development philosophy centred on saturation-based delivery of welfare schemes and ensuring that the benefits of governance reach the most remote and underserved communities.
According to the minister, the appearance of Abujhmad in one of the country’s most widely followed public outreach platforms represents more than symbolic visibility. “It is a national acknowledgment of the aspirations, resilience and progress of a region that remained on the margins of mainstream development for decades,” he said.
Mr. Kashyap noted that the Centre’s sustained focus on tribal welfare has contributed significantly to the changing landscape of Bastar and Abujhmad. From recognising tribal icons at the national level to expanding road connectivity, healthcare services, educational infrastructure, digital access and livelihood opportunities, several initiatives have helped integrate remote tribal regions into the broader development narrative, he said.
“Today, Bastar is no longer viewed solely through the prism of security concerns. It is increasingly being recognised for its cultural richness, community resilience and emerging development potential,” he added.
Highlighting the broader significance of Mann Ki Baat, the minister said the programme has evolved into a powerful platform for citizen engagement, bringing stories of innovation, environmental stewardship, social participation and grassroots achievements to national attention.
“The fact that voices and experiences from deep forested and tribal regions are finding space in national discourse demonstrates the inclusive character of India’s development journey,” he observed.
Mr. Kashyap further stated that the positive portrayal of Abujhmad on a national platform would inspire local youth and communities to participate more actively in developmental initiatives and nation-building efforts.
“The evolving story of Abujhmad illustrates that when security, development and public trust advance together, even the most challenging regions can emerge as models of transformation. The region today stands as a living example of the vision of a developed and inclusive India,” he said.
The event was attended by BJP State Organisation General Secretary Pawan Sai, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Federation Rup Sai Salam, State General Secretary Akhilesh Soni, local representatives, party workers and a large number of villagers.
