Chhattisgarh’s Pride Resounds in ‘Mann Ki Baat’: This is a Moment of National Recognition for the State’s Talent and Heritage- Vishnu Deo Sai

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai listens to the 134th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popular radio program, ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ in the company of public representatives, dignitaries, and citizens at his official residence-cum-office in the capital city , Raipur on Sunday May 31, 2026 -Photo Credit CG/PR

In Short

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi Highlights the Historic Achievement of Young Sprinter Animesh Kujur and the Cultural Heritage of Malhar

• Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Listens to the 134th Episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ Alongside Public Representatives and Citizens

Raipur: Today on Sunday May 31, 2026 , at his official residence-cum-office in the capital city of Raipur, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai listened to the 134th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popular radio program, ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ in the company of public representatives, dignitaries, and citizens.

Following the program, Chief Minister Sai remarked that today’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has become a moment of immense pride, inspiration, and self-confidence for Chhattisgarh, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought honor to the entire state by highlighting both its talent and its cultural heritage on a national platform.

Chief Minister Sai stated that when the country’s highest leadership acknowledges the achievements and talents of a specific state, it is not merely an honor bestowed upon individuals; rather, it grants national prestige to the aspirations, hard work, and identity of millions of the state’s residents.

Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Sai observed that ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has evolved into a powerful platform that grants national recognition to the country’s positive endeavors, innovations, talents, and inspiring life journeys.

He noted that by highlighting the achievements of young sprinter Animesh Kujur—who rose from the small village of Ghuitangar in Jashpur district to carve a niche for himself at both national and international levels—Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed a profound message to the youth of the state: that limited resources cannot hinder the flight of talent, provided there exists within the individual a deep-seated dedication to their goal and a passion for hard work, Sai remarked .

Chief Minister Sai further added that the warmth and inspiring style with which Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented the achievements of Animesh Kujur and Gurindervir Singh during ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is bound to infuse new energy into the youth of the nation, he added.

During the event, while conversing with both athletes over the phone, the Prime Minister noted that the national record in the men’s 100-meter race was broken three times within a span of just two days—an occurrence he described as a remarkable example of positive competition in sports. Chief Minister Sai stated that this is not merely a story of records being broken, but rather a narrative of the self-confidence, discipline, and world-class mindset of India’s youth , CM Sai continued.

Chief Minister Sai highlighted that Animesh Kujur, a young sprinter from Chhattisgarh, has set a new record by completing the 100-meter race in just 10.15 seconds; by qualifying for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, he has brought glory to both his state and the nation, Sai noted.

He remarked that Animesh’s journey is particularly inspiring, as this young man—hailing from the rural hinterland of Jashpur and educated at the Sainik School in Ambikapur—has, despite limited resources, successfully traversed the path to a world-class stage on the strength of his hard work, discipline, and family support, CM described.

The Chief Minister asserted that Animesh’s achievement serves as proof that the land of Chhattisgarh is brimming with talent, and that given the right opportunities, the youth of this region can carve out a distinct identity for themselves on the global stage.

Referring to the conversation that took place between the Prime Minister and Animesh Kujur, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai observed that the young athlete’s mindset is profoundly inspiring. During his interaction with the Prime Minister, Animesh recounted how his passion for sports intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, how he ventured into athletics encouraged by his peers, and how—despite facing arduous challenges and moments of doubt—he resolved never to look back.

The Chief Minister added that Animesh also conveyed a clear message: that Indian athletes are capable of forging a new identity in world-class sprinting, and that Indian youth lag behind in no field of endeavor. This very self-confidence serves as a source of inspiration for the new generation , he stated.

Chief Minister Sai noted that, during the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a deeply inspiring example of true sportsmanship, conveying the message that competition should not be merely about surpassing one another, but rather about enhancing the honor and prestige of the nation, he asserted .

The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister stated that the sentiment expressed by the Prime Minister—that “we must challenge one another, strive to surpass each other, and simultaneously stand ready to assist one another”—truly embodies the essence of India’s new sporting culture.

The Chief Minister added that, guided by this very philosophy, the state government is also working continuously to provide training, superior sports infrastructure, and opportunities to talented athletes, he noted .

Chief Minister Sai remarked that the mention made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during today’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ of the rare copper plates discovered under the ‘Gyan Bharatam’ campaign in the historic town of Malhar (Bilaspur district) holds immense significance for the historical and cultural consciousness of Chhattisgarh.

The Chief Minister noted that these copper plates—estimated to be approximately 1,400 to 1,500 years old—are believed to be associated with the rule of the Panduvamshi dynasty, specifically the era of Maharshi Balarjun; they offer invaluable insights into the administrative systems, culture, religion, and social life of that period.

He further asserted that this heritage, inscribed in the ancient Brahmi script and the Pali language, stands as a powerful testament to Chhattisgarh’s glorious historical legacy, Chief Minister Sai elucidated.

Chief Minister Sai stated that today’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episode serves as a powerful testament to the fact that the ‘New India’ is advancing towards according equal respect to all its facets—be it talent, hard work, sportsmanship, culture, or heritage.

He remarked that, on one hand, a young athlete from Jashpur dreams of infusing new momentum into the nation, while on the other, the heritage of Malhar narrates the saga of India’s glorious past.

The Chief Minister added that, for Chhattisgarh, this dual achievement is poised to instill a sense of self-pride, inspiration, and renewed energy across the entire state, Chief Minister Sai remarked.

Present on this occasion were MLA Purandar Mishra and CGMSC Chairman Deepak Mhaske, alongside a large gathering of public representatives, dignitaries, and citizens.