In the dense forests and tough terrain of Bastar, one woman’s quiet determination has left a mark on hundreds of tribal villages. Dr. Budhri Tati, a social worker from Dantewada, was conferred the Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu for her extraordinary service to society.

For 35 years, Budhri Tati has walked on foot across more than 545 villages in the Naxal-affected region. She focused on women’s empowerment, education, health, and environmental awareness, often putting her own life at risk. Despite facing life-threatening attacks and opposition, she never turned back.

At the award ceremony, she stood out in traditional tribal attire of Bastar, choosing it over modern clothes. This simple gesture spoke volumes about her deep connection with her roots and the people she serves. Locals fondly call her ‘Bua’ or ‘Badi Didi’.

Her journey began at the age of 15. Inspired by Lakhmu Baba of the Gurmagunda Ashram in 1984-85, she decided to dedicate her life to social work. After training with the Rashtriya Seva Samiti in Nagpur, she returned to Bastar and started working in remote areas where women rarely stepped out of their homes.

She took on illiteracy, superstitions, and harmful social practices head-on. Over the decades, Budhri Tati helped more than 500 women become self-reliant by training them in sewing, embroidery, and other livelihood skills. Her belief is simple — when women become financially strong, the entire society grows stronger.

Along with women’s empowerment, she ran campaigns on cleanliness, nutrition, maternal and child health, and de-addiction. Many villagers gave up liquor after her persistent efforts. She also set up an old-age home in Hiranar for the destitute elderly and took responsibility for educating and caring for orphaned tribal children. Her niece Antwi Vek assists her in this work.

The path was never easy. In one incident in the Abujhmar region, angry villagers chased her with sharp weapons. She narrowly escaped, but such attacks did not break her resolve. “If I had feared that day, many women in that village would still be living in darkness,” she later reflected on her experiences.

Budhri Tati chose not to marry, considering society as her family. Today, in Bastar’s villages, every child is like her own, every woman part of her extended family, and every elder worthy of respect.

This Padma Shri is her 23rd honour, including three national-level awards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted her warmly at the ceremony.

Her recognition comes at a time when stories of quiet, grassroots changemakers from conflict zones are gaining attention. Just days ago, another doctor couple from the same Dantewada-Abujhmar region — Dr. Ramchandra and Dr. Sunita Godbole, known as ‘Doctor Bhaiya-Bhabhi’ — also received the Padma Shri for providing free treatment to over one lakh patients.

Officials and locals say Budhri Tati’s work has brought visible change in some of the most backward pockets of Chhattisgarh. Yet she remains grounded, continuing her mission even after the national honour.

The award has sparked pride across the state, especially among tribal communities and women’s groups. Many see her as an inspiration for the next generation of social workers who want to work in difficult areas.

As Budhri Tati returns to Bastar after receiving the honour, her focus remains unchanged — reaching more villages, helping more women, and building a better future for the region’s children. Her story is a reminder that real change often walks on dusty forest trails, one step at a time.

The southwest monsoon has officially entered Chhattisgarh through Dantewada, marking the beginning of the rainy season in the state. Weather officials said the monsoon is expected to expand into more districts over the next few days, bringing increased rainfall activity across southern, central and northern regions.

Following the monsoon's arrival, several parts of the state witnessed a sudden change in weather on Monday afternoon. Raipur, Raigarh and nearby areas received heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds, providing relief from the prevailing heat but also causing temporary disruptions in some localities.

In Raipur, intense showers led to waterlogging on Mahadevghat Road in the Sundarnagar area. Commuters faced difficulties as rainwater accumulated on sections of the road, slowing traffic movement and affecting daily travel.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a five-day alert for thunderstorms, lightning and light to moderate rainfall across the state. Meteorologists said weather conditions remain favourable for further advancement of the monsoon into additional parts of Chhattisgarh, including Raigarh and adjoining districts.

With the monsoon now active over Bastar division, rainfall intensity is expected to increase significantly in the region. Weather experts believe the seasonal system will gradually move northward and cover central and northern districts in the coming days.

Despite the arrival of monsoon conditions, parts of central Chhattisgarh may continue to experience above-normal temperatures over the next two days. According to the weather department, maximum temperatures in some districts could remain 3 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal, creating heatwave-like conditions before widespread rainfall brings relief.

Officials have advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorm activity and avoid open spaces during lightning events. The department has warned that strong winds may accompany rainfall in several areas.

Temperature data released by the weather department showed Bilaspur as the hottest location in the state, recording a maximum temperature of 41.8 degrees Celsius. Ambikapur remained the coolest, with the minimum temperature settling at 22.9 degrees Celsius.

Raipur also experienced a sharp weather shift during the afternoon. After a hot and humid start to the day, dark clouds gathered over the city, followed by gusty winds and heavy showers in multiple areas. The city’s maximum temperature is expected to remain around 40 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to be close to 29 degrees Celsius.

The progress of the monsoon is being closely watched, particularly by farmers awaiting adequate rainfall for agricultural activities. A sustained spell of rain over the coming week could improve soil moisture levels and support the beginning of kharif sowing operations in several districts.

With favourable atmospheric conditions continuing over central India, meteorologists expect rainfall activity to remain active across Chhattisgarh throughout the week.

Ex-MLA Kunjam Claims Naxal Gold From Switzerland

Former tribal leader Manish Kunjam alleges the gold recovered from surrendered Naxalites in Chhattisgarh came from Swiss banks, not local funds, and questions the real aim behind their long-standing “jal-jungle-jameen” campaign.

Kunjam Speaks at Dantewada  

Former MLA from Konta in Sukma district and prominent tribal leader Manish Kunjam has made a sensational claim about the source of gold recovered from Naxalites. Addressing the media at the Dantewada Circuit House, Kunjam said the gold found with the extremists originated from Switzerland. He demanded that the state government launch a thorough probe into the foreign link.

Gold Haul From Recent Surrenders  

On March 31, the deadline set for ending Naxalism in Chhattisgarh, 25 Naxalites surrendered in Bijapur district. Police recovered more than seven kilograms of gold from them, valued at over ₹11 crore. Earlier, another 1.5 kg of gold was seized from Naxalites who surrendered in Jagdalpur. The recoveries have been described as one of the biggest hauls in recent anti-Naxal operations.

Naxal Gold From Switzerland  

Kunjam asserted that while local people may have provided some funds to the Naxalites, the gold itself reached them through foreign banks. “The gold recovered from Naxalites came from Switzerland. The money they got was from our own people, but the gold came from banks abroad,” he said. He urged authorities to trace the international trail without delay.

Real Motive Behind ‘Jal-Jungle-Jameen’  

The former MLA challenged the Naxalites’ decades-old slogan of protecting water, forests and land. According to him, saving hills, rivers and jungles was never their goal. “They talked about the fight for jal-jungle-jameen for years, but their real target was to hoist the red flag at the Red Fort,” Kunjam stated. He accused them of using the tribal cause only as a cover for larger political ambitions.

Mining Extortion Alleged  

Kunjam raised serious questions about mining activities in the region. He recalled how villagers in several districts had launched prolonged protests against mining in areas like Amdai and Raoghat. Despite the resistance, the mines became operational. He alleged that Naxalites started allowing mining only after receiving payments. “Rates were later hiked and extortion began,” he claimed.

Agents Delivered Crores  

The tribal leader said his team possesses evidence of large cash transfers. “Agents used to deliver crores of rupees to the Naxalites. Mining work began the moment the money reached them,” Kunjam revealed. He added that if payments were delayed, the Naxalites would trigger some incident to pressure the payers. He promised to make the evidence public at the appropriate time.

Impact on Anti-Naxal Campaign  

The claims come at a time when the Chhattisgarh government has intensified its drive against left-wing extremism. The March 31 surrenders and the massive recovery of gold and cash worth nearly ₹14 crore have boosted morale in security circles. Kunjam’s statement has added a new dimension to the ongoing operations, shifting focus towards possible foreign funding networks.

What Lies Ahead  

Security forces and the state administration are expected to examine Kunjam’s allegations closely. If verified, the Switzerland link could expose deeper international connections in the Naxal network. Tribal leaders and local communities are watching the government’s response, as the issue touches both development concerns and internal security. The coming days may see further statements from officials and possibly fresh investigations into the funding trail of Naxalites in Bastar.