Tribal Talents' Dreams Take Flight: Chief Minister Shri Sai Interacts with NEET Successful Students
Raipur, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai today interacted cordially with students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools who were successful in NEET-2026, at the Eklavya Dialogue program organized at the Chief Minister's residence office in the capital Raipur. Chief Minister Shri Sai congratulated all the students on their remarkable success, wished them a bright future, and said that this achievement is not just a personal success but a matter of pride for the entire Chhattisgarh, especially for the tribal society. He said that the students of Eklavya schools have proven that talent is not dependent on any circumstance when opportunities, resources, and determination are available.
The Biggest Mantra for Success is Continuous Practice and Self-Confidence - Chief Minister
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that your school is named 'Eklavya', and Eklavya holds a unique place in Indian history. Considering Guru Dronacharya as his ideal, he achieved extraordinary proficiency in archery through continuous practice and dedication even in difficult circumstances. He told the students to achieve their life goals with the same relentless hard work, discipline, and firm determination. He said that the biggest mantra for success is continuous practice and self-confidence. Encouraging the students, he said, "Study hard, move forward, and be a partner in building a developed Chhattisgarh."
Citing the famous Doha of Sant Kabir, "Guru Govind dou khade, kake lagoon pay; balihari guru aapne, govind diyo bataay" (If both Guru and Govind are standing, whom should I bow to first? My respects are due to you, Guru, who showed me Govind), Chief Minister Shri Sai explained the importance of a teacher. He said that a teacher's place is considered even higher than God's, as it is the teacher who shows us the right path in life by imparting knowledge. He called upon the students to always respect their teachers and use the knowledge gained from them for the welfare of society.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Eklavya Model Residential Schools are being operated by the Government of India across the country, and it is a matter of pride for Chhattisgarh that Eklavya schools are functioning in the state, providing quality education and modern facilities to the children of the tribal community. He said, "Aim like Eklavya, and success will surely be yours." He added that success in a tough national exam like NEET is the result of your hard work, your parents' blessings, and your teachers' dedication. He also congratulated all the parents and teachers on this occasion.
Chief Minister Shri Sai told the students that the place of a doctor in society is highly respected. God gives us birth, but doctors save lives and give new life to people. He urged the students not only to be skilled doctors but also compassionate, kind-hearted, and humble doctors. He said that polite behavior and sensitivity towards patients are also an important part of treatment. Often, a doctor's empathy provides mental strength to the patient.
Significant Changes in Education, Increased Opportunities for Students
Responding to a question from student Radheshyam from Dhamtari district during the Eklavya Dialogue, the Chief Minister said that unprecedented changes have occurred in the field of education today. Earlier, the number of schools was limited, and students had to travel long distances, whereas today the government is continuously working to bring education to every village. He informed that primary, middle, and higher secondary schools have been extensively expanded, and work is underway to establish colleges in every development block. He said that at the time of the state's formation, there was only one medical college in the state, whereas today 15 medical colleges, including private and government institutions, are operational, and five new government medical colleges are being started, which will significantly increase the seats in medical education.
Chief Minister said that today, IITs, IIITs, National Law Universities, Central Universities, and many other higher education institutions in Chhattisgarh are providing quality education to students. Various facilities like scholarships, education loans, and Chief Minister's discretionary fund are available for students. He informed that the capacity of the Tribal Youth Hostel established in Delhi for preparation for national-level competitive exams has been increased from 50 to 200 seats, where students are provided free accommodation and food facilities along with coaching for exams like UPSC, Medical, and Engineering. Expressing happiness, he stated that this year, 13 students from the Tribal Youth Hostel have cleared the preliminary examination of the Union Public Service Commission.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that 34 Nalanda campuses have been established across the state, where students can prepare for competitive exams with online and offline study materials 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He said that the government will not let any lack of resources hinder the future of students. He informed that the Labour Department provides financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh per year for higher education to children from labourer families, and the government also bears the expenses of eligible students studying abroad.
Chief Minister Helpline 1076: An Important Initiative Towards Good Governance - Chief Minister
Responding to a question from student Avdhesh Kumar from Gariyaband district, the Chief Minister provided information about the recently launched Chief Minister Helpline 1076, calling it an important initiative towards good governance. Through this, any citizen of the state can directly convey their problems, suggestions, or complaints to the government. He informed that the responsibility of about eight thousand officers has been fixed for this. He advised the students that if they have any problems related to hostels or studies, they can also inform the government through the helpline. He mentioned that this system has received widespread public support in a short period, and people are effectively using it to resolve numerous issues, including electricity, water, land mutation, account division, and demarcation.
Responding to a question from student Manjula from Mahasamund district, the Chief Minister said that medical education is now also being provided in Hindi medium in the state. Textbooks have been made available in Hindi for students who face difficulties with the English language, so that language does not become a barrier to the progress of any talented student.
Responding to a question from student Devanand from Rajnandgaon district regarding facilities available for economically weaker students, the Chief Minister informed that the government is providing financial assistance through scholarships, education loans, and the Chief Minister's discretionary fund, so that financial hardship does not become an obstacle to any student's dreams.
New Chapter of Education and Development in Naxal-affected Areas
Responding to a question from student Kashish Netam from Kanker district regarding educational facilities in remote forest areas, the Chief Minister said that the Bastar region was affected by Naxalism for a long time, which hindered development work. However, in the last two and a half years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the strong will of the Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the courage of the security forces, and the cooperation of the local population, Naxalism has ended. Now, roads, schools, health institutions, and other basic facilities are being rapidly developed in Bastar. He said that schools that were closed in the Bastar division are being reopened, and new schools are also being established. On the lines of Jawanga Education Hub, modern Education Cities are being developed in Jagargunda and Orchha in Narayanpur district, so that students from remote areas can also get quality education in their own region.
Responding to a question from student Ankita from Sukma district, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the government is providing all possible support to students pursuing medical education. Therefore, it is also the responsibility of the students to benefit the state and society with their education. He said that the government invests a large amount of resources in the making of every doctor, and the government wants the young doctors of the state to stay in Chhattisgarh and serve the people, especially in remote and tribal areas. He informed that doctors working in remote areas are also provided with additional salary and other facilities.
Serving the Public as Worship Provides Energy with Full Integrity, Honesty, and Dedication - Chief Minister
Responding to students' questions about his public life and health routine, the Chief Minister said that he has been active in public life for the last approximately 35 years. He said that serving the public as worship with full integrity, honesty, and dedication is what energizes him. He advised the students to adopt regular yoga, exercise, a balanced diet, and a disciplined lifestyle, stating that a healthy mind resides in a healthy body, and a disciplined life is the foundation of long-term success.
At the end of the program, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai once again congratulated all the students, saying that they should serve society with their talent, knowledge, and values and become active partners in building a developed Chhattisgarh. He said that your success will inspire future generations, and all of you will bring pride to the state at the national level with your excellent conduct, spirit of service, and dedication.