Chief Minister Attends “Bihar-Tihar Sneh Milan” Program in Bhilai, Honors Leaders of All Communities
Raipur, March 22, 2025 / Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai has stated that the cultures, traditions, festivals, and family values of Bihar and Chhattisgarh are all deeply interconnected. This relationship is not just geographical, but also one of emotions and values. He was addressing the “Bihar-Tihar Sneh Milan” program in Bhilai today. This event was held on the occasion of Bihar Foundation Day under the “Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat” campaign.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the relationship of “roti-beti” (food and daughters) between Bihar and Chhattisgarh is not just a saying, but has become a social reality. Sharing his personal experiences, he mentioned that his mother also belonged to undivided Bihar and he has an old connection with Jharkhand.
Speaking about Chhath Puja, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that now Chhath festival is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in Chhattisgarh. Beautiful Chhath ghats have been constructed on ponds and rivers throughout the state. He informed that he himself had a Chhath ghat built in Kunkuri, Jashpur district at a cost of one crore.
Paying homage to the glorious history of Bihar, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, was from Bihar. Nalanda University, which made India a world leader, is a gift of Bihar. Aryabhata, who discovered zero, is a great personality of Bihar. Social justice champions like Karpoori Thakur emerged from this land.
Modi’s Guarantee: Not a Promise, But a Resolution – Chief Minister Shri Sai
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the people of Chhattisgarh trusted Prime Minister Shri Modi’s guarantee and gave us the opportunity to serve. Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said that in the past one and a quarter years, the government has effectively implemented many schemes for public welfare. Under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, more than 70 lakh married mothers and sisters are now being provided with assistance of ₹1000 every month, which has increased women’s economic participation and respect. Through the Ramlala Darshan Yojana, which promotes religious tourism, more than 20 lakh devotees have visited Ayodhya to see Lord Shri Ram so far. He said that the pilgrimage scheme is being restarted from the new financial year so that senior citizens and devotees can once again easily get the opportunity to visit the major religious places of the country.
“Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat” Concept is Receiving Support
Chief Minister Shri Sai praised Prime Minister Shri Modi’s “Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat” campaign, saying that such events reduce linguistic, social, and cultural distances. Today’s ceremony has become a bridge of brotherhood and cultural understanding between the two states.
Honoring Leaders of All Communities, Inspiring the New Generation
Chief Minister Shri Sai honored the leaders of all communities on the stage by presenting them with shawls and coconuts. He said that honoring social workers is our tradition, which inspires the coming generations.
From Litti-Chokha to Teeja-Chhath – A Shared Cultural Heritage
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that whether it is Litti-Chokha of Bihar or Cheela-Fara of Chhattisgarh, Teeja or Chhath – there is a deep similarity in the culture of both the states. Khamar Chhath and Chhath Puja, both festivals are symbols of gratitude towards Mother Nature and nature.
Welcoming all Bihari brothers and sisters to the land of Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that together we will take forward the resolve of Prime Minister Shri Modi ji’s Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat. This event is an example of mutual love, harmony and national unity.
Bihar Government’s Road Construction Minister Shri Nitin Nabin said that the purpose of Bihar Day is to understand our historical and cultural heritage and pass it on to the next generation. Bihar has made remarkable progress in the fields of education, health and infrastructure.
On this occasion, MLA Shri Rikesh Sen, former Assembly Speaker Shri Prem Prakash Pandey, Zilla Panchayat President Smt. Saraswati Banjare, Mayor of Municipal Corporation Durg Smt. Alka Baghmare and other public representatives, and dignitaries were present in large numbers.