The Birth of Chhattisgarh and Its Formative Years
On 1 November 2000, Chhattisgarh officially became the 26th state of India, after being carved out of Madhya Pradesh under the Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Act. The decision to form this state recognised the unique cultural, geographical and tribal identity of the region, allowing local governance and focused development. The name “Chhattisgarh” is believed to originate from the presence of “36 garhs” (forts) in the region, symbolising the region’s historic kingdoms and defence-structures. The capital of the new state was established at Raipur, which continues to serve as the administrative and political hub.
Key Achievements and Transformative Developments
Since its formation, Chhattisgarh has registered multiple important milestones—both in social terms and economic growth. Here are some of the standout achievements:
Agricultural & Cultural Identity
- The state is popularly known as the “धरती का धान का कटोरा” (“rice-bowl of India”) because approximately 88 % of its cultivated land is under paddy, and it boasts over 20,000 varieties of rice.
- Although it may not be the largest rice-producer in India by volume, the symbolism of paddy in the region’s culture remains strong.
Social and Tribal Welfare
- Tribal communities form a significant share of the population and their contribution to the state’s cultural richness has been duly recognised—most prominently by national leaders.
- The state has improved access to education, health services and tribal welfare schemes, although much remains to be done.
Health and Public Welfare
- A recent major achievement: the state declared 4,106 gram-panchayats as TB-free under the “Nikshay-Niramay Chhattisgarh” campaign, earning it a national award for health programme implementation.
- This shows a shift towards stronger public-health delivery and outreach in previously underserved areas.
Infrastructure & Governance
- The state has undertaken major infrastructure projects: energy, roads, railway connectivity, and an upcoming new assembly building in the capital. For example, for the 25-year foundation year celebrations, the new legislatures’ building is to be inaugurated.
- Governance reforms show increasing participation of technology, better planning and a push to showcase the state’s development to the nation.
Celebrating Milestones
- In 2025, Chhattisgarh enters its silver-jubilee year (25 years) of statehood, with the celebrations spanning multiple days and involving high-profile dignitaries.
- A holiday has been declared for all educational institutions on 1 November to mark this milestone.
Through these developments, Chhattisgarh has gradually transformed itself: from a newly-created administrative unit to a state announcing major achievements in agriculture, culture, health and infrastructure.
What’s New and Emerging: Recent Highlights for Foundation Day 2025
As Chhattisgarh celebrates its 25th foundation day, several recent developments and special preparations stand out. Here’s what is new and why it matters:
- The state government has planned five-day celebrations at the state level and three-day events at the district level to mark the silver jubilee year.
- Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, is invited to inaugurate these celebrations and unveil the new assembly building in Raipur.
- A holiday has been declared on 1 November 2025 for all government, aided and private educational institutions across the state to encourage public participation.
- The thematic focus for this celebration emphasises Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage (“धान का कटोरा”), agricultural identity, tribal traditions and its development trajectory.
- In the health sector and other welfare sectors the state has flagged recent successes (such as TB-free gram panchayats) to underpin its development story ahead of the celebrations.
Together, these recent initiatives reflect both commemoration of the state’s past and a forward-looking agenda focussed on growth, inclusion and visibility.
Looking Ahead
As Chhattisgarh celebrates its foundation day, it is doing so at a moment of both reflection and promise. From its inception on 1 November 2000, the state has made impressive strides in agriculture, tribal welfare, infrastructure and health. With the 25th anniversary marking a silver jubilee, the significance of the journey becomes all the more meaningful.
Now, as the state government and the people of Chhattisgarh launch the next phase of their collective story, the message is clear: honour the past, celebrate the present and build for the future. The journey of Chhattisgarh, from “36 garhs” to a dynamic state standing on its own, reminds us that regional identity, when coupled with vision and action, becomes a powerful driver of progress and pride.
