Panchjanya, a leading Indian weekly magazine initiated by Late Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and whose founding editor was Late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India, successfully organized the Chhattisgarh Danteshwari Dialogue 2025 at Mayfair Lake Resort, Atal Nagar, New Raipur. The dialogue brought together eminent thought leaders to discuss Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity, social harmony, governance priorities, and the path toward a peaceful and prosperous future.
Welcoming the guests, Hitesh Shankar, Editor of Panchjanya, said, “When we speak of Panchjanya, we do not speak only of history; we also speak of the responsibility attached to it. Chhattisgarh is the land of truth, the courtyard of Maa Kaushalya, and the birthplace of Shri Ram. This land has always nurtured and safeguarded even the greatest of endeavors. In the sacred abode of Maa Danteshwari, there should have been peace, not bloodshed. Unfortunately, some people tried to ignite flames of unrest and spread violence in a place meant for harmony.”
“Chhattisgarh is a prosperous state. It is blessed with abundant mineral resources, vast forest wealth, and hundreds of varieties of forest produce that serve as major sources of income for us. I often say that the soil here is extremely fertile, and it is also said that Chhattisgarh has some of the most hardworking and skilled farmers in the country. But we also understand that if we wish to provide employment to our sons and daughters, it cannot be achieved through government jobs alone. With this vision, the State Government has implemented a new industrial policy, which is being appreciated not only across the country but also internationally.” – Said Chief Guest Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh.
The first session featured noted Author Shri Rajeev Ranjan Prasad, who held an insightful discussion with former Naxalites on the realities of Naxalism. He highlighted how the perspective shaped from Delhi often conceals the true picture of Bastar. He stressed that Bastar’s identity was frequently projected only through the lens of Naxalism, overshadowing its deeper realities. Interacting with former Naxalites, he noted that while Bastar has endured many wounds, the government’s healing efforts have been remarkably effective.
The second session, titled Safety, Development and Vision, featured Chhattisgarh Home Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, and was moderated by Consulting Editor Tripti Shrivastava. Speaking on the strategic decline of Naxalism, he stated that Bastar is now almost free from Naxalism, with only limited activity in small pockets across three districts. He emphasized the government’s dual approach, offering dignified surrender and rehabilitation to those who choose peace, while making it clear that those who continue violence will face strict action.
Sharing his address, Dr. Purnendu Saxena, Regional Director of the Central Region of RSS, said that the changes taking place in Bastar are not merely administrative but are also evident at the social level, offering hope and pride for all. He remarked that Bastar, once synonymous with fear, is witnessing rapid positive transformation. He urged collective efforts to help the region recover the precious time lost to violence and unrest.
Shri Ramdutt Chakradhar, Joint General Secretary of RSS, underscored that the foundation of a strong nation lies in strengthening the virtues and character of ordinary citizens. Reflecting on the vision of the RSS founder, he highlighted the need for moral development, national responsibility, and a disciplined social framework.
Another session focused on the Future of Chhattisgarh and was moderated by senior journalist Anurag Punetha, with Shri Om Prakash Choudhary, Finance Minister of Chhattisgarh, as the speaker. His insights added depth to the deliberations on the state’s developmental roadmap, reinforcing the event’s objective of fostering informed dialogue on Chhattisgarh’s social, cultural, and political evolution. Following was session on Samajik Samrasta, featured Acharya Pandit Shri Yuvraj Pandey Ji, National Katha Vachak, who offered profound insights on fostering unity, inclusiveness, and shared cultural values within society.
The event witnessed the distinguished presence of Chief Guest Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh; Shri Vijay Sharma, Home Minister, Chhattisgarh; Hitesh Shankar, Editor, Panchjanya; Shri Om Prakash Choudhary, Finance Minister of Chhattisgarh; Shri Arun Kumar Goyal, Managing Director, Bharat Prakashan (Delhi) Limited; Shri Ramdutt Chakradhar, Joint General Secretary, RSS; renowned author Shri Rajeev Ranjan Prasad; Dr. Purnendu Saxena, Regional Director, RSS; Shri Arvind Netam, social worker; Dr. Toplal Verma, Sanghchalak (Head of RSS for the Chhattisgarh Province); Acharya Pandit Shri Yuvraj Pandey Ji, National Katha Vachak; and Shri Naresh Kumar Kumawat, a celebrated sculpture artist, and the Director of Matu Ram Art Centres Pvt. Ltd.
The Chhattisgarh Danteshwari Dialogue 2025 concluded with a reaffirmation of collective responsibility and a shared commitment towards peace, development, and a harmonious future for the region.
