Youth Power Will Build a Developed and Strong India, Says CM Vishnu Deo Sai

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai during an interactive public programme with Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha students at Saddu in Raipur on Thursday, October 8, 2026, where he encouraged young people to dream big, work hard and contribute to building a developed and empowered India. Photo: primelookindia.com via CMO .

Interacting with Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha students at a public programme in Raipur, the Chief Minister urges young people to dream big, value time and pursue their ambitions with determination, while sharing his journey from a small village in Jashpur to the state’s highest office.

Key Highlights

• Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai describes India’s young population as its greatest strength in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
• Encourages students to identify their interests, set clear goals and pursue success through hard work and discipline.
• Recalls his childhood struggles, his father’s early death and the responsibilities he assumed at a young age.
• Highlights Chhattisgarh’s progress in education, including 15 medical colleges, 17 Prayas schools and 341 PM SHRI schools.
• Calls upon students to participate in water conservation and promote rainwater harvesting.
• Discusses the state’s economic ambitions, employment opportunities, industrial development and the National Education Policy.
• Honours young achievers and joins participants in devotional musical performances.

Young People Hold the Key to India’s Future

Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has described the country’s youth as the driving force behind the vision of a developed and empowered India, urging students to dream beyond their immediate circumstances and transform their ambitions into achievements through determination, discipline and hard work.

Addressing young participants during a public interaction programme, Gen Next Samvad, at Saddu in Raipur on Thursday, October 8, 2026, Sai engaged with students belonging to Generation Z and Generation Alpha.

The interaction covered education, career opportunities, personal struggles, economic development, environmental protection and the responsibilities of young citizens in shaping the nation’s future.

Rather than confining his address to government policies, the Chief Minister shared experiences from his personal life, describing how difficult circumstances had shaped his understanding of responsibility, perseverance and public service.

“India is the world’s youngest country, and its youth will become the greatest strength in building a developed and powerful nation. Dream big, choose your goals according to your interests and work with complete dedication to achieve them.” — CM Vishnu Deo Sai, translated from his remarks

Sai emphasised that success depended not merely on ambition but also on the ability to use time constructively and remain committed to one’s objectives.

He encouraged students to regard their educational years as an opportunity to develop the knowledge, discipline and confidence required for future responsibilities.

Sai Recalls His Childhood in Bagia Village

The Chief Minister offered students a personal account of his early education in Bagia, a village in Jashpur district, where educational facilities were considerably more limited than those available today.

Recalling his primary school years, he said that his village school did not have arrangements for conducting the Class V board examination.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai honours a young achiever in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma and other dignitaries during the Gen Next Samvad programme in Raipur on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The Chief Minister encouraged young people to pursue excellence and contribute to building a developed and empowered India. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/DPR .

Students were required to travel several kilometres to another village and remain there for five days to complete their examinations.

He also recalled studying in school buildings with basic infrastructure, where roofs frequently leaked during the monsoon.

These experiences, he explained, reflected the difficulties faced by children in rural areas during that period.

Sai contrasted those conditions with the expansion of educational institutions and facilities across Chhattisgarh.

He said the state, which once had only one medical college, now had 15 medical colleges, providing greater opportunities for students seeking careers in healthcare.

The Chief Minister encouraged young people to appreciate the facilities available to them and use those opportunities responsibly.

From Family Responsibilities to the Chief Minister’s Office

One of the most personal moments of the interaction came when BBA student Ashmit Shinde asked Sai what had inspired him to become Chief Minister.

Responding to the question, Sai recalled losing his father when he was approximately ten years old.

As the eldest among his brothers, he assumed responsibility for helping his mother and grandmother and supporting his younger siblings.

He continued his studies while managing agricultural work and fulfilling family obligations.

The Chief Minister said he had never imagined that his journey would eventually take him into the highest levels of public life.

“I had never imagined that I would even become a village sarpanch. From serving as a sarpanch to becoming an MLA, MP, Union Minister of State and eventually Chief Minister, I have received opportunities to serve people that I never anticipated.” — CM Sai, translated from his remarks

He attributed his progress to perseverance, sincerity and his belief in the principle that work itself is worship.

Sai told students that every responsibility, however small, should be discharged with honesty and dedication.

He also expressed his belief that sincere efforts made with good intentions receive divine support.

His account illustrated how personal hardship and public responsibility had influenced his approach to life.

Time Management and Clear Goals Are Essential

When student Karan Bhosle asked about the guiding principle of his life, the Chief Minister placed particular emphasis on the value of time.

He said students should recognise that their present responsibility was to study, develop their abilities and prepare a strong foundation for their future.

According to Sai, ambition without sustained effort cannot produce meaningful achievements.

He advised young people to discover their interests rather than follow career choices solely because of social expectations.

“Understand the value of time. Identify your interests, set your goals accordingly and devote your energy to achieving them. The better you use your time today, the stronger your future will be.” — CM Sai, translated from his remarks

The Chief Minister said that dreams were important because they encouraged individuals to work harder and overcome difficulties.

He urged students to maintain confidence while recognising that success generally required patience and consistent effort.

Education Must Prepare Students for Life and Employment

Discussing the state’s educational development, Sai said the government was working to improve both infrastructure and the quality of learning in schools.

Responding to a question from student Saniya Parveen about support for competitive examination preparation, he highlighted the functioning of 17 Prayas schools in Chhattisgarh.

These institutions provide educational support and guidance to students preparing for competitive examinations.

He also referred to the inclusion of 341 schools from Chhattisgarh under the Central Government’s PM SHRI scheme.

Under the initiative, selected schools are being developed with improved infrastructure, smart classrooms, laboratories and modern educational facilities.

Sai said the National Education Policy was intended to move education beyond the acquisition of degrees and connect learning with values, practical skills and employment opportunities.

The Chief Minister emphasised that students needed an education capable of preparing them for technological changes and emerging professional challenges.

He said improving access to quality education remained essential for enabling children from different social and economic backgrounds to realise their potential.

Water Conservation Is a Responsibility of Every Generation

Environmental protection emerged as another important subject during the interaction.

Class IX student Aditya Raj Tiwari asked how schoolchildren could contribute to water conservation.

Sai responded by highlighting the growing concern over declining groundwater levels and the need for collective action.

“Water is essential for our future. Every student can contribute to water conservation by encouraging rainwater harvesting and responsible water use at home, in school and throughout society.” — CM Sai, translated from his remarks

The Chief Minister referred to the Central Government’s Jal Sanchay–Jan Bhagidari campaign, which encourages community participation in water conservation.

He highlighted the five per cent model adopted in Korea district, describing it as an encouraging initiative in water management.

Sai said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also mentioned the model during his Mann Ki Baat programme.

He further referred to work undertaken in Rajnandgaon to construct soak pits and improve groundwater recharge.

The Chief Minister encouraged students to promote practical conservation measures and help make water protection a community movement.

Chhattisgarh’s Development Vision for 2047

Responding to a question from Class XI student Mitansh Singh of Chhattisgarh Public School, Sai discussed the state’s long-term economic ambitions.

He said Chhattisgarh had prepared a vision document for 2047, identifying priorities for economic development and the effective use of natural resources.

The Chief Minister referred to the ambition of building a ₹75-lakh-crore economy by 2047.

He said the state’s mineral wealth, agricultural potential and other natural resources offered opportunities for development, provided they were managed responsibly.

Sai also spoke about his recent four-day visit to Singapore, where he interacted with representatives of major companies and discussed investment opportunities.

He said industrial development and investment would be important in expanding employment opportunities and strengthening Chhattisgarh’s economy.

The Chief Minister connected the state’s aspirations with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Sai Highlights India’s Progress Under PM Modi

During the interaction, the Chief Minister also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s completion of 25 years in executive leadership, covering his tenures as Gujarat Chief Minister and Prime Minister.

Sai highlighted the Seva Sankalp campaign being observed on the occasion.

He credited Modi’s leadership with advancing cleanliness, infrastructure and national development initiatives.

Referring to the Swachh Bharat Mission, Sai said the construction of household toilets had contributed to improved sanitation, dignity and public health.

He also cited India’s economic progress and security operations as examples of the country’s growing capabilities.

The Chief Minister said his interactions with business representatives during the Singapore visit had reinforced his view that India’s international standing had strengthened.

Young Achievers Honoured at Public Interaction

The programme also featured recognition of young people who had demonstrated notable achievements in sports and other fields.

Sai felicitated selected achievers, encouraging them to continue pursuing excellence and serve as examples for their peers.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma joined the Chief Minister during the programme.

Both leaders also attended devotional musical performances presented in a contemporary format under the concept of Bhajan Clubbing.

The performances brought together young participants through music and cultural expression.

The event attracted students, young professionals, distinguished guests and members of the public.

A Message Beyond Academic Success

The Chief Minister’s interaction presented education, personal discipline, environmental responsibility and public service as interconnected elements of youth development.

His account of growing up in a village with limited educational facilities provided a personal perspective on the opportunities available to students today.

At the same time, his emphasis on employment-oriented education, water conservation and economic development reflected the wider responsibilities awaiting younger generations.

The message extended beyond academic achievement: young citizens must develop the confidence to pursue individual ambitions while remaining conscious of their responsibilities towards society.

For Sai, the strength of India’s future lies not simply in the size of its young population but in the determination, skills and character of young people prepared to contribute to the nation’s progress.