Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday urged people to put an end to divisions among them on the basis of caste, region, language and religion that have harmed Uttar Pradesh, and come together to elevate and place the state among the most prosperous states of the country.
Addressing a gathering during the ‘UP Diwas’ celebrations at Awadh Shilpgram on the occasion of the 74th Foundation Day of the state, the CM said, “As we are bringing Uttar Pradesh out of darkness and taking it to the pinnacle of development, we must also associate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and expose the divisive forces and crack down on the corrupt.”
Highlighting the role of the state in the country’s development, the CM said Uttar Pradesh has played a significant role in creating a modern India. Uttar Pradesh became the focal point of the country’s first freedom struggle, he pointed out.
“Mangal Pandey in Barrackpore announced the launch of the freedom movement, which was led by Rani Lakshmibai from Jhansi, Bandhu Singh from Gorakhpur, and Dhan Singh Kotwal from Meerut. This state saw the Kakori train incident and the Chauri-Chaura incident. This land belongs to freedom fighters and their countless sacrifices,” Yogi said.
“The origin of India’s Vedic knowledge, Naimisharanya of Sitapur, is in Uttar Pradesh. Although we had everything, PM Modi gave us a sense of pride and dignity. Today, Uttar Pradesh has once again stood up with courage and is moving forward,” Yogi said.
He further pointed out that in 2017, when the double-engine government was formed in the state, former Governor Ram Naik inspired them to celebrate the Foundation Day of Uttar Pradesh.
“On this occasion, our government launched the flagship scheme of ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP). The ODOP scheme has doubled Uttar Pradesh’s exports. Before 2017, UP was known as the state of riots and the hub of criminal activities but today it is referred to as the hub of exports. This is the inspiring story of the brand new Uttar Pradesh,” Yogi said.
Pointing out that on the occasion of UP Diwas, the Planning department has issued a Family Card, the CM said, “The dashboard for the Millet Promotion Scheme and natural farming was inaugurated by the Agriculture department. We have already provided two crore tablets and laptops to the youth here.”
“Together with the Centre, the state government is going to give the benefits of the ‘CM Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme’, which was inaugurated by Governor Anandiben Patel today, to 7.5 lakh graduated youths of the state in the next one year.”
“On this occasion, ODOP’s six beneficiary-oriented schemes and the Uttar Pradesh Notary Management website have been launched,” Yogi said.
Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving Uttar Pradesh the opportunity to host 11 G-20 programmes , the CM said Lucknow is one of the four cities in UP where these programmes would be held.
“Through the Global Investors Summit, to be held between February 10-12, investment worth lakhs of crores of rupees is going to come to Uttar Pradesh. Now the youths here will not have to go to other countries and different states across India for jobs. A lot of opportunities will be available here. We have to be ready to welcome investors and entrepreneurs coming to Uttar Pradesh,” Yogi said.
In the programme, 16 artists were given the Vivekananda Youth Award by the Youth Welfare department. Five artisans and handicraftsmen associated with the Mati Kala Board were honoured with the Mati Kala Khadi Gramodyog Award whereas nine players were honoured with the Laxman and Rani Laxmibai awards by the Sports department. Three ‘divyangjan’ players were also honoured on the occasion.
