When 12000 came together for the 1.2 billion: the human map of India in Dantewada

by Suman Gupta 

Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, 25TH JAN 2017: Patriotism echoed in Dantewada’s air in southern Chhattisgarh when 12,000 citizens sung the National Anthem together on National Voters’ Day at the local Stadium. Named “Maa Bharti Abhinandan”, the event was an exceptional example of civic engagement where members of security forces, Anganwadi workers, farmers, school students, and officers from different departments of the district administration came together to form a Human map of India and sing the National Anthem. Each state in the map reflected a theme of its own to paint a vibrant distinct picture.

The entire arena echoed to the tunes of the national anthem which was sung by all present. The Bastar Band, the Rhythm of Bastar, and Audiction group added musical flavor which is unique to the region. Using traditional musical instruments such as Maandar, Nagada, Thumki, Tabla, Tudbudi, Chumki, and Dholak, the people of Dantewada truly brought the National Anthem home. This celebration of national pride had students and army jawaans dance to patriotic beats. 

The Minister of School Education, Mr. Kedar Kashyap addressed the participants and appreciated their effort to take national unity to whole new heights. He called the initiative a matter of pride for Dantewada and the entire country where people from all the sections of the society came together with tremendous enthusiasm and energy for the love of their homeland. 

District Collector Mr. Saurabh Kumar describing this event said, “It is a message and symbol for the members of security forces that the entire nation is always behind them to support their hard work and dedication.” CEO Zila Panchayat, Dr. Gaurav Singh seconded the thoughts and added that the sound of national unity will stem from Dantewada stadium and reach distant corners of the country. It is a message of solidarity and peace, he opined.       

The human map looked like a bouquet of cultures and colors. This event marked itself as a creative symbol of Unity in Diversity, and made Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh State a witness of national pride. Having witnessed Naxal violence in the past, the District has been taking progressive steps to promote civic engagement, and providing a nurturing environment for all its residents and officials.

Limca Book of Records has been apprised of the efforts and the people of Dantewada are likely to be rewarded with yet another distinction in the form of a national record.