Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath interacted with students and gave them life lessons during his visit to the Atal Residential School in Sithauli Kala, Mohanlalganj .

He inaugurated the academic session 2024-25 for all 18 Atal Residential Schools in the state during a ceremony held here.

During his visit, he spent quality time with the students, admiring their innovative models and engaged with them in their classrooms.

Taking on the role of a teacher, the CM shared success mantras and replied to students’ questions. He also took part in a group photoshoot with the students and captured a selfie with them, making the occasion even more memorable for the children.

CM Adityanath began his visit by viewing an exhibition of innovative models created by the students. The exhibition showcased devices such as a smart dustbin, a smart blind stick, an automatic street light, an obstacle-avoiding robot, and various art and craft pieces.

He praised and encouraged the students, who explained the features of their models to him. A girl even drew a picture of CM Yogi, which he signed.

The CM also engaged with the students and answered their queries. When one student enquired, “We recently participated in the Independence Day parade in Lucknow and received an award. Can we also be part of the parade in Delhi?” CM Yogi responded with a smile, “Yes, you will definitely be sent.”

In another exchange, a student asked, “When you were in school, did you also get scolded for making mistakes?” CM Yogi, adopting the role of a teacher, offered advice: “If a mistake is made unintentionally, it’s not a fault but an opportunity for improvement. However, repeating the same mistake continuously indicates a habit. Mistakes are natural when you’re working, but persistent errors are not acceptable. Work hard and stay focused, and you will see positive results.” After the Q&A, CM Yogi took a group selfie with all the students.

During his visit, a girl expressed gratitude to CM Yogi for the excellent arrangements at Atal Residential Schools and asked if he had similar educational opportunities as a child. CM Yogi responded, “This initiative is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and it has been created for your benefit. It is public money, and when used correctly, it results in valuable resources like this school. If it were misused, it wouldn’t serve its purpose.”

He added that 16 Atal Residential Schools have already been established, with two more in progress, and that plans are underway to build additional schools in 57 other districts. “This will benefit thousands of children. Remember, following the right path leads to success, while the wrong path leads to confusion.”

The CM also mentioned that, aside from providing infrastructure, the UP government has set up a corpus fund for the daily operations of these schools, financed by the cess money collected from registered workers. “You should consider writing a letter to Prime Minister Modi to express your thanks,” he suggested.

During the event, CM Yogi announced a phase-wise plan to expand the schools, aiming to increase their number to 2,000.

According to him, in the second phase, 57 similar schools will be established as composite schools across various districts, while the third phase will extend this initiative to all 350 tehsils of Uttar Pradesh. In the fourth phase, such schools will be set up in 825 development blocks, and by the fifth phase, they will reach the Nyaya Panchayat level.

Ultimately, 2,000 such schools will be operational across the state, providing quality education to children. In addition, the CM announced that the 57 new schools would cater to students from classes 1 to 12 and include Bal Vatikas.

During the ceremony, CM Yogi distributed school bags and textbooks to students and also awarded prizes and certificates to the meritorious students. Furthermore, the CM also gave awards to Vigyan Ratna and students leading in sports and other activities. The students impressed CM Yogi with their welcome performances, including dance routines.