Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], August 14 : Chhattisgarh Minister Gajendra Yadav hailed the ramp walk by nine rehabilitated women from Bastar, who had formerly been associated with Naxalism, as a "proud moment" on National Handloom Day. Their participation in a tribal fashion show marked their journey back into the mainstream while celebrating Bastar's rich handloom heritage and traditional craftsmanship.
While talking to ANI, Gajendra Yadav said, "This is a matter of great fortune for us that under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CM Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy CM Vijay Sharma, Chhattisgarh has become Naxal-free. Women naxals have now joined the mainstream, trusting the Govt and its schemes. On National Handloom Day on 7th August, 9 rehabilitated women naxals from Bastar, Sukma were made participants in the ramp walk. The women spoke to the CM, and they were in Raipur for the very first time. It was a great experience for all of them. It was a moment of pride for us."
The nine rehabilitated women Naxals donned handloom outfits and walked confidently on the ramp as part of the Tribal fashion show event. Their ramp walk drew huge applause from the spectators as they graced the ramp in their unique style.
The women were beautifully styled in heirloom sarees with rich traditional prints, accessorised with silver waist belts and jhumkas. Their distinctive saree drapes and neatly braided hair kept their look firmly rooted in regional culture.






In a post on X, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the women's journey from carrying weapons in the forests of Bastar to presenting the state's rich handloom heritage before the nation.
He wrote, "Those steps that were once compelled to tread the path of red terror in the remote jungles of Bastar are today striding confidently on the ramp, proudly showcasing the rich handloom heritage of Chhattisgarh before the entire nation. On the occasion of National Handloom Day, at an event organised in the capital, Raipur, daughters who have surrendered presented an inspiring picture of change, self-respect, and newfound confidence through a ramp walk in Chhattisgarh's traditional handloom attire."
"This is not merely a fashion show, but a powerful expression of the new Chhattisgarh advancing from violence to development, from fear to confidence, and from wayward lives toward a dignified future," added Vishnu Deo Sai.