Sai Inaugurates Exhibition Tracing Chhattisgarh’s Freedom Struggle, Development Journey

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurates the seven-day Independence Day photo exhibition at the historic Town Hall, Kachahari Chowk, Raipur, on Saturday, August 15, 2026. MLA Purandar Mishra is also seen -Photo Credit: primelookindia.com via CG/PR

Key Highlights

• Seven-day exhibition at historic Town Hall showcases freedom fighters, 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, good governance and Chhattisgarh’s development journey
• Chief Minister announces ₹50 lakh each for conservation, beautification and renovation of Town Hall and Shaheed Smarak

Exhibition to remain open at Kachahari Chowk, Raipur, from August 15 to 21; Sai urges youth and students to visit

Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday August 15, 2026 inaugurated a seven-day photo exhibition at the historic Town Hall, Kachahari Chowk, Raipur, on the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, calling upon the younger generation to understand the sacrifices and contribution of Chhattisgarh’s freedom fighters to India’s struggle for Independence.

Organised by the Public Relations Department, the exhibition brings together rare photographs, historical documents and informative displays chronicling Chhattisgarh’s role in the freedom movement, the glorious 150-year journey of ‘Vande Mataram’, and the state’s progress in public welfare, good governance, infrastructure and technology.

Sai visited different sections of the exhibition and viewed photographs, historical records and displays dedicated to freedom fighters and significant movements associated with Chhattisgarh.

“Many brave sons of Chhattisgarh struggled and made supreme sacrifices for India’s freedom. Taking their contribution and inspiring stories of patriotism to the new generation is our collective responsibility,” Sai said.

He said such exhibitions do more than preserve historical memories. They provide young people an opportunity to understand the struggles that shaped independent India and strengthen the values of patriotism, duty and commitment towards the nation.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai is briefed about digital governance and public-service initiatives showcased at the Independence Day exhibition at Town Hall in Raipur on Saturday, August 15, 2026-Photo Credit:primelookindia.com via CG/PR

The exhibition presents Chhattisgarh’s journey from its contribution to the freedom movement to its contemporary development aspirations, bringing history and the vision of a developed state together under one roof.

From Freedom Struggle to a Developed Chhattisgarh

A major attraction is a special section devoted to the 150-year journey of ‘Vande Mataram’. Through photographs and historical references, it traces the national song from its composition to its emergence as a powerful voice of national awakening during the freedom struggle.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai views photographs and historical accounts highlighting Chhattisgarh’s freedom fighters and the state’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle at Town Hall, Raipur, on Saturday, August 15, 2026Photo Credit:channel24india.com via CG/PR

The displays depict how ‘Vande Mataram’ inspired freedom fighters and revolutionaries and became a symbol capable of bringing people together in their struggle against colonial rule.

Another section focuses extensively on Chhattisgarh’s contribution to India’s freedom movement, featuring photographs, documents and historical accounts of freedom fighters, martyrs and public heroes from the region.

Important episodes connected with Mahatma Gandhi’s visits to Chhattisgarh and various social and national movements against British rule have also been documented, giving visitors an insight into the state’s place in the wider history of India’s freedom struggle.

Sai said remembering the sacrifices of freedom fighters should also encourage citizens to recognise their own responsibilities in building the country’s future.

“The sacrifices of our freedom fighters inspire us to fulfil our responsibilities towards the nation and contribute to building a developed Chhattisgarh and a developed India,” the Chief Minister said.

The exhibition also presents the state’s contemporary development journey. Displays highlight major welfare initiatives concerning women, farmers, youth, workers and economically weaker families.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, accompanied by Raipur Collector Gaurav Singh and Public Relations Commissioner and Special Secretary to the Chief Minister Rajat Bansal, examines historical displays highlighting Chhattisgarh’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle at Town Hall, Kachahari Chowk, Raipur, on Saturday, August 15, 2026-Photo Credit:primelookindia.com via CG/PR .

Among the schemes showcased are the Mahtari Vandan Yojana for women’s economic empowerment, Krishak Unnati Yojana for farmers and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for providing housing to needy families. Initiatives related to education, skill development, employment and workers’ welfare are also featured.

Visitors can also learn about developments in transparent governance, digital registration, grievance redressal through Sushasan Tihar, environmental conservation and improvements in infrastructure.

Road and rail connectivity, industrial development, investment and employment opportunities form another part of the presentation, illustrating the state government’s vision for a developed Chhattisgarh.

Technology has also been incorporated into the exhibition to engage younger visitors. An innovative AI-based facility allows visitors to create digital photographs of themselves against backdrops featuring prominent pilgrimage and tourist destinations of Chhattisgarh.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, accompanied by MLA Purandar Mishra, Public Relations Commissioner and Special Secretary to the Chief Minister Rajat Bansal, and Additional Director, Public Relations, Umesh Mishra, examines a display highlighting Chhattisgarh’s development initiatives at the Independence Day exhibition at Town Hall, Kachahari Chowk, Raipur, on Saturday, August 15, 2026-Photo Credit:primelookindia.com via CG/PR

The initiative, particularly aimed at children and young people, seeks to use technology to introduce visitors to the state’s cultural, religious and tourism heritage. The digitally created photographs can also be retained as souvenirs.

Sai particularly appealed to students and young people to visit the exhibition, stressing the importance of understanding history and heritage while preparing for the future.

“Understanding our history and heritage makes us more conscious of our responsibilities in the present and inspires us to build a better future,” Sai said.

A visitor diary has been placed at the venue where people can record their thoughts on Independence Day, patriotism and Chhattisgarh’s development journey. The Chief Minister also recorded his thoughts in the diary and extended Independence Day greetings to the people of the state.

A special documentary highlighting Chhattisgarh’s achievements, welfare schemes and development initiatives is also being screened during the exhibition.

In another significant announcement, Sai sanctioned ₹50 lakh each for the conservation, beautification and renovation of the historic Town Hall and Shaheed Smarak in Raipur.

He said Shaheed Smarak preserves the memories of those who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation, while Town Hall represents an important part of Raipur’s historical and cultural heritage.

The Chief Minister said development and preservation of heritage should move together so that future generations remain connected with Chhattisgarh’s history, culture and tradition of sacrifice.

The exhibition will remain open to the public at Town Hall, Kachahari Chowk, Raipur, from August 15 to 21, 2026, daily between 10.30 am and 8 pm.

Chief Minister’s Advisor R. Krishna Das, MLA Purandar Mishra, Public Relations Commissioner Rajat Bansal, Collector Gaurav Singh, Additional Director Umesh Mishra, Sanjeev Tiwari, Alok Dev and senior officials and employees of the Public Relations Department were present on the occasion.