Raipur, September 29, 2026/ Bastar, once frequently viewed through the lens of Naxal violence and fear, is now presenting a different picture of its people, culture and development. During a recent visit to the region, 43 influencers and digital content creators from Delhi witnessed this transformation firsthand, documenting not only Bastar’s forests and natural beauty but also the social and economic changes taking shape at the grassroots.
As part of their Bastar visit, the influencers travelled to Shaheed Veer Gundadhur Seva Dera in Netanar, where they observed initiatives aimed at promoting women’s self-reliance through tailoring, embroidery and other livelihood activities. The sound of sewing machines at the training centre offered a glimpse into a changing rural economy, where skills are creating new opportunities for women and their families.
Skills in Women’s Hands, Stronger Families
Women in Netanar are being trained in tailoring, embroidery and various other self-employment activities with the objective of helping them convert their skills into sustainable livelihoods and contribute to their family incomes.
The visiting influencers interacted directly with the women undergoing training and learnt about their experiences, the opportunities created through the programme and the changes they have experienced after taking up livelihood-oriented skills. For many of the women, learning a skill represents more than vocational training. It is a step towards greater economic independence and confidence.
Their experiences also reflect the changing social landscape of Bastar. In an area once predominantly discussed in the context of violence and insecurity, women are increasingly being seen as participants in livelihood and self-reliance initiatives, with new aspirations for their families and futures.
Connecting with the Legacy of Shaheed Veer Gundadhur
The visitors also explored Bastar’s historical heritage at Netanar. They learnt about the life and contribution of Shaheed Veer Gundadhur and his significance in the history of Bastar.
The juxtaposition of historical memory and present-day development offered the influencers a broader understanding of the region. While Netanar preserves the legacy of Bastar’s historical figures, its livelihood initiatives for women reflect contemporary efforts towards economic empowerment and community development.
Seeing Bastar Beyond Its Earlier Image
For the digital creators from Delhi, the visit provided an opportunity to experience Bastar directly rather than viewing the region only through earlier reports or perceptions.
Their interactions with local communities, exposure to women’s livelihood activities, engagement with the region’s historical heritage and experience of its natural and cultural identity presented a more diverse picture of Bastar.
Taking Bastar’s Changing Story to Digital Audiences
The 43 influencers and digital content creators from Delhi were mesmerized by the beauty and the rich legacy of Bastar. They said they are inspired to share their experiences through their respective digital platforms. The influencers shared that they are looking forward to showcase not only Bastar’s tourism destinations but also the local culture, history, people and changing social landscape of Bastar through their content.
In the digital age, perceptions of a region are shaped not only by conventional media but also by firsthand experiences shared by content creators. Stories emerging directly from Bastar can introduce audiences across India and beyond to dimensions of the region that may not have been visible through conventional narratives alone.
A New Identity Rooted in Peace, Culture, Tourism and Self-Reliance
Bastar’s story extends beyond its difficult past. Its tribal culture, historical heritage, natural landscapes and local talent are opening up new possibilities for tourism and development. The women of Netanar, turning training into livelihood opportunities, represent one of the most human dimensions of this transition.
The visit of the 43 Delhi-based influencers offered them an opportunity to witness this changing Bastar at close quarters. Their cameras captured its historical legacy and natural and cultural richness, while the sight of women working on sewing machines offered a glimpse of a region where livelihood opportunities and aspirations are taking shape alongside a changing social environment.
For Bastar, this is more than a change in narrative. It reflects an evolving identity in which history and heritage, culture and nature, tourism and livelihood opportunities are increasingly becoming part of the same story.
