Raipur. 'Vaishnav jan to tene re kahiye je peed parai jaane re' – The Vaishnav sentiment mentioned in this favorite hymn of Bapu is the foundation of folk religion. What could be more pleasant than this that in a democracy, the people who elect them as their representatives should follow this folk religion along with the most backward person who comes to them. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai also has the same Vaishnav feeling of understanding the pain and suffering of the people, which touches the hearts of those who meet him. Its hallmark was seen once again, when Chief Minister Sai understood the feelings of the Korwa tribals who came from Batikela, a remote village of Jashpur, which they were shying away from expressing out of hesitation. The Chief Minister very cordially asked the Korwa tribals who reached Pahuna – have you kept the fare for going? And then took out money from his pocket and paid them the travel expenses. Also said that stay here tonight and leave only after having dinner tomorrow.
In fact, when CM Sai reached Pahuna late last night after a busy day's program in Bastar and Rajim, he came to know that three Korwa tribal villagers were waiting to meet him. It was about 12:15 at night. But after learning that Korwa tribals of Kansabel block of Jashpur district had traveled a long distance to meet him, Chief Minister Sai called him to his room. Korwa Bishun Ram, Balkishun Ram and Ajir Sai, who came barefoot, entered the Chief Minister's room. The Chief Minister listened to their problems with great attention and assured them of all possible help.
But what happened next could not have been imagined by these villagers. Chief Minister Sai first asked him – have you eaten food? When he told that he was given food in Pahuna itself. So the Chief Minister asked when did you come to Raipur and by which route? He told that yesterday he came from Bataikela to Raigarh by bus and from Raigarh he came to Raipur with a general bogie ticket of the train. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai very cordially asked him – Have you kept the fare? The villagers remained silent in response to this question. But Chief Minister Sai also read the feelings behind this silence which he was hesitant in expressing. The Chief Minister took out his traveling expenses from his pocket and told him to stay here tonight and leave tomorrow only after having dinner. This kindness of the Chief Minister touched the hearts of these Korwa tribals.
Recognizing his old friend, he said affectionately – Now you have grown old. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai recognized his old friend Ajir Sai, who was meeting him after many years. The Chief Minister reminded him that I had gone to Bhopal with him. Ajir Sai told that he had met the Chief Minister many years ago when he was an MLA regarding the problem of Korwa tribals. At that time, CM Sai had taken him with him to Bhopal and introduced him to the ministers of the then government and presented the issue of Korwa tribals. The Chief Minister affectionately told Ajir Sai that he has grown old now. Everyone burst out laughing after hearing this.
Encouraged young Korwa Bishunram and Balkishun Ram
Chief Minister Sai inquired about the well-being of the Korwa tribal youth Bishunram and Balkishun Ram who had come to Pahuna and asked about their education. Kishun told that he has done B.Sc. and Kishunram has done M.Sc. Both of them have also done computer course. CM Sai appreciated the passion and ability of these tribal youth and encouraged them. The Chief Minister wished him a bright future.
CM has understood the happiness and sorrow of the people in his long life, there is a constant flow of people to meet him.
The specialty of CM Vishnudev Sai is that he understands the joys and sorrows of people of every section very deeply. He has had a long tenure as a public representative. From Sarpanch to Union Minister and now as Chief Minister, he has come face to face with the problems of the people at every level. This is the reason ever since he took charge as the Chief Minister, there is a steady stream of people from across the state meeting him with their problems. Those who meet him are touched by his cordial spirit.
