LUCKNOW, Jan 5: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is actively working to preserve tribal culture with several programs underway.
While interacting with the youth from Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh at his official residence during the Tribal Youth Exchange Programme 2025, the CM highlighted that Prime Minister Modi declared November 15, the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.
He emphasised the significance of this year as it marks the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.
During the interaction, the youth shared their perspectives with the the CM, offering insights into the rich cultures of their respective states. The CM warmly welcomed the participants to Lucknow, acknowledging their efforts to attend despite the inclement weather conditions.
Introducing the youth to UP, Yogi said, “It is the most populous state in the country, home to 25 crore people. Tthe state comprises 75 districts, 18 divisions, over 350 tehsils, more than 825 development blocks, 17 municipal corporations, over 200 municipal councils, and more than 400 nagar panchayats.”
Describing UP as a special land blessed by nature and divinity, he shared that the Maha Kumbh will take place from January 13 to February 26 in Prayagraj, at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna
and Saraswati rivers, expecting over 40 crore devotees.
He also emphasised the state’s spiritual heritage, mentioning Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the birthplace of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, the Leela Bhoomi of Vrindavan, and Maa Vindhyavasini Dham.
The CM said, “UP has played a pivotal role in the country’s journey from the Vedic period to independence and continues to be a cornerstone of Indian civilization.”
He said that UP is rapidly emerging as a leading state in terms of development and has established itself as one of the country’s top economies.
Yogi said, “Security and law and order are the fundamental prerequisites for development and good governance. Extremism, terrorism, disturbances, and riots, he stated, hinder progress, employment generation, governance, and investment.”
The CM urged the youth to abide by the law, as it ensures their protection.
He stressed that the Constitution instills a sense of respect for the law, reminding everyone of Dr BR Ambedkar’s significant contribution as the architect of the Constitution.
Emphasizing the strong bonds between UP and states like Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Jharkhand, he said that Chhattisgarh is the maternal home of Lord Rama, where he spent a significant part of his exile in Chitrakoot, located at the junction of UP and Madhya Pradesh.
He said that Mother Janaki hails from Janakpur, situated between Bihar and Nepal. “Jharkhand is renowned for Baba Dham, while Odisha is the sacred home of Lord Jagannath,” he said.
Yogi highlighted that pride in one’s tradition, culture and the deep reverence and respect for these values, along with loyalty to the nation, inspire progress and unity.
He said that while India is emerging as a major global power, it also faces challenges.
Yogi highlighted that within the next three years, India is set to become the third-largest economy in the world.
He said, “This growth will lead to increased income for individuals, job creation, infrastructure development, and more investment, providing ample opportunities for the youth to connect and contribute.”
Emphasizing the need to preserve India’s rich culture, folklore and tradition, the CM said both the central and state governments are working towards establishing a new paradigm of development, grounded in these foundations, by building museums in the region.
He said that, for the first time in independent India, a tribal woman holding the position of President is playing a pivotal role in elevating the pride of the nation to new heights.
Yogi told the youth that he was pleased to see their enthusiasm for the country, society and culture. He shared an important mantra for progress in life and the bright future of coming generations: “I have nothing of my own; if the country is safe, we are all safe.”
While there may be differences in the methods of worship, he stressed that Rashtradharma (duty to the nation) must always be prioritised, and there can be no compromise on this. He said that the tribal community has been known as warriors who have united in strength for the nation and religion since ancient times, including during the era of Lord Rama.
The CM said that that a passage in Maharishi Valmiki’s Ramayana describes Dandakaranya as a sacred land of sages and divine knowledge, rich in tribal culture and civilization.
“This vast region, stretching from Jharkhand and Odisha to distant Maharashtra, has been a stronghold where tribal culture preserved the heritage of knowledge and science, even in the face of adversity. Whenever the nation or religion faced challenges, the tribal community rose to the occasion to confront them,” he said.
He said when Lord Ram faced a challenge during his exile, the tribal community played a crucial role in making the impossible possible.
“They helped establish religion and became part of Lord Ram’s army, contributing to the construction of a 100-yojana bridge across the sea, enabling the army to cross from one side to the other. This strength lies within the tribal community,” he said.
The CM expressed that the youth had come to the land of Lord Ram to connect with these very values and traditions.
The CM emphasized the importance of training within UP, as it provides an opportunity to closely observe the state’s development journey. He pointed out that despite a population of 25 crore, there is no chaos, and everything related to the Maha Kumbh is running smoothly. People are participating spontaneously.
Yogi directed the officials to take the youth on a tour of various places in Lucknow, including wide-clean roads, the metro, the airport, railway stations and malls. He encouraged them to witness the development under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, stressing the importance of cleanliness and urging them not to let dirt accumulate anywhere.
He said that the closer one stays to nature, the healthier they will be.
Yogi highlighted the Swachh Bharat Mission as a gift from PM Modi and praised the use of technology as a result of PM’s efforts.
Principal Secretary (Home and Information) Sanjay Prasad, Nishtha Tiwari from Union Home Ministry, State Director of Nehru Yuva Kendra Mahendra Singh Sisodia were present during the programme.
(UNI)
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