Raipur, Chhattisgarh : The Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, visited India’s first digital tribal museum at the Adim Jati Anusandhan evam Prashikshan Sansthan in Nava Raipur on Sunday. Describing the museum as unique, he said every citizen of the country should be familiar with India’s tribal history and cultural heritage.
During the visit, the Chief Justice closely explored each gallery dedicated to tribal freedom fighters of Chhattisgarh, highlighting their movements and acts of courage. He observed that the preserved memories of tribal uprisings serve as a reminder to stand united against exploitation and injustice.
Principal Secretary of the Tribal Development Department, Mr. Sonmani Bora, welcomed the Chief Justice and accompanying judges with traditional Biren Mala and presented a mural depicting tribal life. Among those present were judges of the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court, Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha, along with other members of the judiciary.
Mr. Bora briefed the dignitaries on the background of major tribal rebellions and the contributions of tribal heroes. The galleries creatively use symbolic trees such as Sal, Saja and Mahua to narrate the history of various uprisings, presenting them in a storytelling format similar to a narrator guiding viewers through a historical account.
The Chief Justice expressed particular interest in the Bhumkal Rebellion of 1910 in the Bastar region. Led by 20 year old tribal leader Gunda Dhur, the rebellion was directed against colonial forest policies, exploitation by zamindars and external interference. He also viewed the sword of Veer Narayan Singh and other traditional weapons used during tribal resistance movements.
The digital gallery featuring a symbolic temple of Goddess Danteshwari also drew his attention. He rang the bell twice and offered prayers, expressing his desire to visit the historic Maa Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada in the near future.
Notably, the museum was dedicated to the nation on November 1, 2025, during the silver jubilee celebrations of Chhattisgarh Statehood by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since its inauguration, it has emerged as a major attraction for visitors. Plans are underway for its second phase of expansion in view of growing public interest.
Constructed under the guidance of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and the leadership of Principal Secretary Sonmani Bora, the museum and the Veer Narayan Singh Memorial-cum-Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum aim to preserve tribal heritage. The initiative is expected to inspire future generations by keeping alive the stories of courage and resistance that shaped the region’s history.
