The sacrifice of martyr Veer Narayan Singh is an immortal symbol of pride, struggle, and self-respect for Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister Sri Vishnu Dev Sai said that on December 10, 2025, he paid tribute to the first martyr of the state at Sonakhan, where he honored the martyr’s descendants and announced several key development plans. The CM announced the start of a bus service under the Chief Minister Rural Bus Scheme, approved Rs. 75 lakh for a new primary health center, Rs. 50 lakh for a Siyam Auditorium, and Rs. 20 lakh for toilets at the Madai fairground. He added that provisions for eco-tourism development and road construction at Sonakhan would be included in the upcoming budget, giving the historic site a new identity and providing employment and amenities to locals. Chief Minister Sai described Veer Narayan Singh as a hero who stood against the tyranny of the English regime to protect the rights of poor farmers and marginalized communities, setting a humanitarian example by distributing grain to those in desperate need during a severe famine. The English rulers executed him on December 10, 1857, but his sacrifice has inspired generations to fight for dignity and justice. He noted that the government has fulfilled most promises under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘guarantee’ and continues to expand basic services in tribal-majority areas. Chief Minister addressed an audience that included the Minister of Tribal Affairs, Sr. Ramvichar Netham, who recalled that on the same day, the English regime hanged Veer Narayan Singh at Jaystambh Chowk in Raipur. He warned that the government remains committed to welfare, continuously working for development. On this occasion, the Chief Minister launched 119 development projects costing Rs. 101.44 crore and performed land‑sweeping ceremonies. He handed over keys to ten beneficiaries of the Prime Minister’s Rural Housing scheme and under the “We Will Succeed” program, gave appointment letters to 37 youths. Five exceptional tribal students were also honored on stage. The forum was attended by many community representatives and local citizens, including forest minister Kedar Kashyp, revenue minister Tankaram Verma, former assembly speaker Gourishankar Agrawal, former legislator Dr. Sanam Jagde, and Veer Narayan Singh’s descendant Rajendra Diwan. Work launched included retrofitting rainwater supply plans in the villages of Odhan, Khartora, Sakri, and Datan, costing Rs. 9.88 crore, and a single rainwater supply plan in Gorada. Land‑sweeping activities covered 5.84 crore for restoring Jonk Top and constructing dykes in Arjun, 3.63 crore for rebuilding Karda Lata and Siryadhim Minor, 3.36 crore for a small dam in Matia Nala, 2.99 crore for a small dam in Parsadiha’s Khorshinala, and 2.60 crore for building inspection huts and residential buildings in Lahod.
