Chhattisgarh has always been a land of literature and culture: CM Vishnu Deo Sai

State-level Youth Kavi Sammelan held in the sacred land of Lord Ram’s maternal home and Mata Shabri’s devotion

CM Vishnu Deo Sai lightening the lamp to inaugurate Kavi Sammelan on Saturday October 4, 2025 Night -Photo Credit CG/PR

State-level Youth Kavi Sammelan held in the sacred land of Lord Ram’s maternal home and Mata Shabri’s devotion

Raipur : Chhattisgarh’s literary, cultural, and artistic heritage received a vibrant celebration on Saturday October 4, 2025 night with the organisation of the State-Level Youth Kavi Sammelan. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the soil of Chhattisgarh has always been the land of literature and culture.

CM Sai addressing the gathering saying that the soil of Chhattisgarh has always been the land of literature and culture-Photo Credit-CG/PR

Paying homage to the sacred land revered as Lord Ram’s maternal home and the abode of Mata Shabri, the Chief Minister said, “This is the land that has eternally nurtured creativity, art and thought.”

Recalling the rich legacy of literary masters, CM Sai said that Mahakavi Kalidas composed his immortal work Meghaduta on this very land, while Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh and Padumlal Punnalal Bakshi drew their inspiration from the same soil. He also paid tribute to Raja Chakradhar Singh, the legendary music maestro from his former parliamentary constituency, Raigarh, who enriched Indian classical traditions with his genius.

The Chief Minister lauded the Chhattisgarh State Youth Commission and the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare for organising the event, calling it an innovative platform that nurtures young writers, poets, and artists by giving their creativity a stage. He added that the state government is continuously creating opportunities for young talent to grow and express themselves.

Congratulating the three winners selected from divisional-level competitions, CM Sai said, “Through this platform, young poets will receive guidance from renowned poets of the country — a learning experience that will inspire their creative journey and help shape their literary future.”

Chhattisgarh’s culture is a living blend of songs, dance and emotions: Dy CM Arun Sao

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare Arun Sao said that the conference was not merely a competition but an opportunity for young poets to learn, create and evolve.

“Chhattisgarh’s art and culture have been vibrant since ancient times — here, songs accompany every phase of life, from birth to death,” he remarked. Giving a vivid example, Sao said that during the sowing season, the air resonates with the melodious strains of Dadariya folk songs. “This land has a rich tradition of musical instruments, songs, dances, and folk arts. It is the land of saints, sages, and poets — a land that has always guided humanity towards harmony and inspiration,” he added.

The Deputy Chief Minister wished all the young poets a bright future and called upon them to use their words and creations to bring about positive social change.

Renowned poets captivate the audience

Kavi Sammelan witnessed enthralling performances by eminent poets Shashikant Yadav, Dinesh Bawra, Nilotpal Mrinal, Kavita Tiwari, and Manu Vaishali, whose powerful and emotional recitations mesmerised the audience. The auditorium echoed with rounds of applause as listeners responded enthusiastically to each rendition.

State’s emerging poets felicitated

Nidhi Tiwari from Bilaspur district secures the first position, and CM Sai personally felicitates her extending is best wishes for her bright and successful future-Photo Credit-CG/PR

In the State-Level Youth Poetry Competition, Nidhi Tiwari from Bilaspur district secured the first position, Meera Mridu won second place, and Alisha Sheikh from Korea district stood third. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai personally felicitated all the winners and extended his best wishes for their bright and successful future.

The event was attended by Higher Education Minister Tank Ram Verma, Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade, Skill Development Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb, Tourism and Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal, MLA Motilal Sahu, and Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Youth Commission Vishw Vijay Singh Tomar, along with chairpersons of various boards and commissions, public representatives, writers, poets, and a large gathering of enthusiastic art and literature lovers.