Four Decades of Dedication to Bastar and Tribal Society: An Extraordinary Exemplar of Humanity — Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday May 29, 2026 holds a cordial meeting with the Padma Shri-honored social worker couple, Dr. Sunita Godbole and Dr. Ramchandra Godbole at his official residence-cum-office -Photo Credit -CG/PR

IN SHORT

• Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Lauds the Service Work Undertaken by Padma Shri Dr. Sunita Godbole and Dr. Ramchandra Godbole in Bastar

• Government Focused on Delivering Healthcare, Education, and Public Service—Alongside Security—in Bastar: Chief Minister

Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday May 29, 2026 held a cordial meeting at his official residence-cum-office with the Padma Shri-honored social worker couple, Dr. Sunita Godbole and Dr. Ramchandra Godbole.

During the meeting, he lauded the service work they have been undertaking among the people of Bastar and the tribal community for over four decades. Wile having the interaction, the Godbole couple shared with the Chief Minister, “We harbor a deep love for Bastar and its inhabitants.

We communicate with them in Gondi and Halbi; this is our culture, and we now have no desire to ever leave Bastar.” Describing this heartfelt sentiment as a symbol of profound dedication to Bastar, its culture, and its tribal society, Chief Minister Sai remarked that this represents not merely an act of service, but a rare exemplar of human warmth, empathy, and social commitment, he added.

Extending his best wishes to the Godbole couple, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that their conferral of the Padma Shri award is not merely a personal achievement, but a matter of honor for the entire state—specifically for Bastar, its tribal communities, and its residents.

Chief Minister Sai affirmed that the recognition bestowed upon the Godbole couple—who have become a living testament to service, dedication, and humanity—marks a moment of immense pride for Chhattisgarh. He noted that by working with unwavering dedication and empathy for over four decades in challenging and remote regions such as Bastar and Abujhmad, Dr. Sunita Godbole and Dr. Ramchandra Godbole have set a compelling example, demonstrating that the true essence of service lies in extending a sense of belonging, trust, and human compassion to the most needy members of society, he continued .

Chief Minister Sai further said that the Godbole couple reached out to the tribal community, providing free medical treatment, raising awareness regarding malnutrition, TB, malaria, jaundice, and other serious ailments, and undertaking remarkable work in areas such as education and de-addiction.

He remarked that, despite facing arduous circumstances and possessing limited resources, their decision to remain amidst the tribal community and persist in their service stands as a testament to extraordinary dedication. Chief Minister Sai noted that the Godbole couple has served not merely as medical practitioners, but as true and kindred allies of the tribal community, CM Sai expressed.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai observed that, even during the challenging era of Naxalism, the Godbole couple never abandoned the path of service; prioritising humanity above all else, they continued to work ceaselessly among the tribal people. He added that even when an atmosphere of fear and insecurity prevailed, their faith in—and commitment to—Bastar and its people remained unshaken. The Chief Minister remarked that this demonstrates the profound and heartfelt love they harbor for this region, its culture, and its tribal inhabitants. He asserted that the true essence of service is proven by standing alongside society during times of adversity—a principle the Godbole couple has unequivocally validated through their own lives, Sai Praised the Couple .

Chief Minister Sai expressed particular delight upon observing the Godbole couple’s deep understanding of the culture of Bastar and Chhattisgarh. He noted that they are not merely working here; rather, they have become completely immersed in—and have fully assimilated—the local culture, traditions, and way of life. The Chief Minister highlighted that their ability to communicate in local languages ​​such as Gondi and Halbi serves as proof that they have forged a strong bond of trust, belonging, and deep affinity with the people. It is for this very reason that they themselves now declare that they have no desire to ever leave Bastar, Sai remarked.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai further mentioned his own personal association with the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, noting that he is well aware of how the ethos and values ​​instilled by the Ashram reinforce the spirit of service, dedication, and deep empathy toward society. He stated that the Ashram’s journey—and its fundamental objective—is intrinsically linked to the vision of extending empathy and heartfelt support to the last person in society; furthermore, this endeavor lays a strong foundation for positive transformation within the community, Vishnu Deo Sai affirmed.

During the meeting, while interacting with the Godbole couple, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai shared details regarding the micro-level initiatives and action plans being implemented by the State Government for the development of Bastar. The Chief Minister affirmed that the State Government is earnestly pursuing a policy centered on “Development and Trust” in Bastar, aiming to ensure that—alongside security—effective governance, essential services, and opportunities reach the people. He emphasised that the government does not intend to confine its security apparatus solely to the realm of protection; rather, by integrating it with public service, it is transforming it into a catalyst for broad-based social change.

Chief Minister Sai stated that the government is working towards transforming security camps into “Seva Dera” (Service Hubs), thereby ensuring the expansion of healthcare, education, banking, public services, and basic amenities alongside security provisions. Citing initiatives such as “Niyad Nella Nar,” the Chief Minister noted that the State Government is successfully extending the reach of governance to remote regions, thereby imparting fresh momentum to developmental activities in those areas. He concluded by observing that the new environment of development, security, and trust that has emerged in Bastar is the direct result of sensitive governance and sustained efforts, Sai expressed his feelings .

During the discussion, the Godbole couple also shared with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai their reverence for and inspiration drawn from Sant Gahira Guru. Recounting their experiences visiting Kailash Gufa—including the Sanskrit school and ashram operating there—as well as their travels across the Surguja region, they highlighted their deep connection with the cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh. The Chief Minister remarked that it is a matter of immense delight that the Godbole couple has not only embraced Bastar but has also assimilated the cultural consciousness, tribal values, and spiritual traditions of Chhattisgarh as a whole, he asserted.

Chief Minister Sai expressed his confidence that the Godbole couple’s spirit of dedication and service would reinforce a renewed sense of public service and social awareness throughout Chhattisgarh, he anticipated,