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Ambikapur News: Dr. Rajendra Prasad came to Surajpur in 1952 and laid the foundation of Pando Nagar, built Rashtrapati Bhavan and gave direction to Pando tribe with respect and education, due to which the society became self-reliant.
Ambikapur News: In Surguja division of Chhattisgarh, the settlements of Pando tribe were once scattered under the cover of forests. Someone was seen wearing a scarf and picking tendu leaves, while someone was seen earning his living with the help of Kodo-kutki. Life was simple, struggle was heavy. But it was the time of change in the fate of this community, the year 1952. Then the first President of the country, Dr. Rajendra Prasad reaches Surajpur. He saw that this society is divided in different directions. And then he took a historic decision, “All of them should be settled together… they should be given an identity!”
This was the moment when the foundation of “Pando Nagar” was laid. Not just a settlement, Dr. Prasad built a special building here, which was named “Rashtrapati Bhawan”.
And gave respect to Pando community.
“Adopted son of the President”
This building is still a proud symbol of this transformation journey. Initially this house was made of tin and pegs, with time it was strengthened with mud and bricks and became a center of education. Books started being kept inside, which was a sign that the future would now be written with a pen. We talked to the pride of this society, Rajaram Pando, who is today posted as Inspector in the Forest Department on the MP-UP border. He says, “My father Vishnu Ram Pando was among those who performed the traditional Karma dance in front of the President. Even today, the Khair tree is standing there which was planted by the President himself. The Ashoka trees blooming near it spread greenery every day in the memory of that historic meeting.
From scattered identity to becoming an organized society,
This story of Pando tribe is not just history –
A living example of respect, education and self-reliance.
