Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the remarkable transformation of once-Maoist-dominated regions into thriving hubs of progress and education. Citing examples such as the first-ever bus service in Maharashtra’s Katejhari village and the academic excellence in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district, he underscored the resilience of local communities and the government’s unwavering efforts in combating Naxalism.
During episode 122 of his monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi shared a poignant story of change from Katejhari village in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, which had long been affected by Maoist violence.
He noted that villagers had waited for years for a bus service, and when the first bus finally arrived, they celebrated its arrival with drumbeats.
PM Modi added that the positive changes in Katejhari are now being felt throughout the surrounding area, where the situation has quickly returned to normal.
“It is such a common thing to travel by bus. But I want to tell you about a village where a bus arrived for the first time. The people there were waiting for this day for years. And when the bus arrived in the village for the first time, people welcomed it by playing drums. There was a paved road in the village; people needed it, but a bus had never run here before. Why? Because this village was affected by Maoist violence,” PM Modi said.
“This place is in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra, and the name of the village is Katejhari. This change in Katejhari is being felt in the entire surrounding area. Now, the situation here is rapidly becoming normal. Due to the collective fight against Maoism, basic facilities have started reaching even such areas. The villagers say that with the arrival of the bus, their lives will become much easier,” he added.
PM Modi also emphasized the educational progress in areas previously affected by Naxalism, particularly in Dantewada district, where students have excelled despite numerous challenges.
He pointed out that students from the district achieved impressive results in the 10th and 12th board examinations, with a pass rate of around 95 percent. Dantewada topped the 10th-grade results and secured sixth position in the 12th-grade exams in Chhattisgarh.
“In Mann Ki Baat, we have already discussed the Bastar Olympics held in Chhattisgarh and the science labs in Maoist-affected areas. The children here have a passion for science. They are also doing great in sports. Such efforts show how courageous the people living in these areas are. These people have chosen the path of improving their lives amidst so many challenges.
“I am also very happy to know that the results of Dantewada district in the 10th and 12th examinations have been excellent. With about a 95 percent result, this district topped the 10th results. In the 12th examination, it secured the sixth position in Chhattisgarh,” the Prime Minister stated.
As Katejhari welcomes new progress and students in Dantewada achieve notable success, Modi’s Mann Ki Baat highlighted the positive changes occurring across the country—demonstrating that improvement is possible, even in the most challenging areas.