Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav celebration begins

Raipur, Nov 1 (UNI) The seven-day Rajyotsav celebrations, to mark the sixth anniversary of Chhattisgarh's formation, began with pomp and show in the state capital today.

Speaking as the Chief Guest at the ceremony in the Science College ground here tonight, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundara Raje Scindia said that in the past six years Chhattisgarh emerged as a state with potential for tremendous growth.

''This is evident from the growth in the tourism sector as well as interest for industrial investment in this state,'' she added.

Referring to Chhattisgarh's tribal culture, she also hailed 'Salwa Judum' -- a peace movement launched by Bastar's tribals against a three-decade-old problem of naxalism -- and expressed confidence that the campaign would help to bring peace in the tribal areas.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh said that the state, carved out of Madhya Pradesh in November 2000 at the initiative of the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, was treading the path of progress. Special focus was on agriculture, industry, health and education.

Pointing out that employment-linked exodus to other states was a challenge being faced by the state, Dr Singh said that his government was making planned efforts to address the problem. ''With our multipronged initiatives, we are hopeful of finding a permanent solution to migration,'' he added.

Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Prem Prakash Pandey, Tourism and Culture Minister Brijmohan Agrawal, other ministers and elected representatives were among those present.

After the inaugural ceremony, artists from Nagaland presented a cultural programme while local artists presented a variety of tribal dances.

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