Raipur, February 17, 2026 : An affectionate and simple side of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai was witnessed when he himself crafted a clay lamp and a ‘kalash’ on a potter’s wheel, sending a strong message of respect and connection toward traditional craftsmanship.
The occasion was a meeting of the Surguja Area Tribal Development Authority, which he attended at the Korea district headquarters in Baikunthpur. Alongside the meeting held in the district panchayat auditorium, an exhibition of self-help groups and local products had also been organised in the premises. At this exhibition, artisan Shri Devi Dayal Prajapati, a resident of Sonhat development block, was giving a live demonstration of making clay lamps and ‘kalash’ on an electric wheel. During the inspection, Chief Minister Shri Sai reached his stall and closely observed his craftsmanship for some time.
As his curiosity toward the art grew, the Chief Minister expressed a desire to try his hand at the wheel himself. With the artisan’s assistance and guidance, he skillfully handled the wet clay placed on the rotating wheel, and within moments shaped it into a beautiful lamp. Even the artisan was surprised by the Chief Minister’s natural ease, while the gathered crowd welcomed the moment with loud applause.
During the interaction, Chief Minister Shri Sai also inquired from artisan about his occupation, income and family, and encouraged him to take advantage of various government self-employment and artisan-friendly schemes. He said the state government is continuously working to strengthen traditional crafts, artisans and rural livelihoods so that local art and skills can gain new recognition and markets.
On the occasion, Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Food Minister Shri Dayal Das Baghel, Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Lakshmi Rajwade, Surguja Development Authority Vice-Chairperson Smt. Gomati Sai, MP Shri Chintamani Maharaj, MLA Shri Bhaiyalal Rajwade, Collector Smt. Chandan Tripathi, Superintendent of Police Shri Ravikumar Kurre, along with public representatives and officials, were present.
