Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked Chhattisgarh’s 25th Foundation Day by inaugurating development projects worth Rs 142.6 billion, unveiling a statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and interacting with children treated for congenital heart disease. The Prime Minister emphasised that the nation’s progress depends on the progress of its states, while reaffirming India’s role as a global first responder in times of crisis. During his day-long visit to Chhattisgarh, the Prime Minister participated in the ‘Rajat Mahotsav’ celebrations and launched multiple development initiatives. As part of the ‘Dil Ki Baat’ programme, he interacted with 2,500 children who were successfully treated for congenital heart disease under the ‘Gift of Life’ initiative at Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital, Nava Raipur, Atal Nagar. Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated the ‘Shanti Shikhar Brahma Kumaris Meditation Centre’, and later unveiled the statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the newly constructed Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha building in Nava Raipur. Welcoming the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister’s Office of Chhattisgarh posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Heartiest welcome and congratulations to the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, on the sacred soil of Chhattisgarh.” Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi reiterated his vision of development through the empowerment of states, stating: “Whenever there is a crisis or disaster anywhere in the world, India, as a trusted partner, steps forward immediately. Today, India stands as a first responder and a global voice for nature conservation. True progress can only be achieved when we learn to live in harmony with nature.” The Prime Minister is also scheduled to lay the foundation stones for several key projects worth Rs 142.6 billion, including the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial and the Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum at Atal Nagar, Nava Raipur. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth, sustainable infrastructure, and cultural preservation in Chhattisgarh — a state that has transformed into a model of development and resilience over the past 25 years.