Raipur, August 13, 2026 – ChhattisgarhOnce upon a time, women Maoists of Bastar had recently enthralled the audience by doing ramp walk on the occasion of 'National Handloom Day' in Raipur.
When people hear the word 'Maoist', they often imagine armed rebels living in dense forests and away from mainstream society. However, the lives of many former Maoists have changed dramatically after they surrendered and chose to return to normal civilian life. An amazing example of this change was seen during the program of 'National Handloom Day 2026' organized in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, where former women Maoists of Bastar walked the ramp with confidence in traditional Chhattisgarhi handloom dresses.
Dressed in attractive Kosa silk and hand-weaved clothes, these women presented the rich textile heritage of the region in the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium, when the people present gave them thunderous applause. The event was not just a fashion show, but a symbol of rehabilitation, empowerment and a new beginning for women who left the path of violence and conflict and sought opportunities in mainstream society. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai also interacted with the participants and wished them good luck for their new journey.
#WATCH | Raipur, Chhattisgarh: Former women Naxals, who once carried weapons in the dense forests of Bastar, walked the ramp to huge applause at a National Handloom Day event in Raipur after joining the mainstream. (07.08) pic.twitter.com/51mc8lEXWE
— ANI (@ANI) August 13, 2026
His performance on the ramp walk highlighted his remarkable journey from struggle to social life. Many of these former Maoist women are now building new careers, working with various organisations, participating in social initiatives and exploring opportunities that were once out of their reach.