UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday urged the citizens not to be divided on the basis of castes, regions, languages and religions that have irreparably harmed the State.

Addressing the gathering during the ‘UP Diwas’ celebration at Awadh Shilpgram on the occasion of 74th Foundation Day of the state, he said, “as we are bringing UP out of darkness and taking it to the pinnacle of development, we also must associate with PM Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and expose the divisive forces and crackdown on the corrupt.”

Earlier Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath opened the 3 day long UP Diwas celebrations.

Highlighting the role of the State in the country’s development, the CM said that UP has played a significant role in creating a modern India. Uttar Pradesh became the focal point of the country’s first freedom struggle.

According to CM Yogi, the origin of India’s Vedic knowledge, Naimisharanya of Sitapur, is in Uttar Pradesh. “Although we have 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.”

He further pointed out that in 2017, when the double-engine government was formed in the State, former Governor Ram Naik “inspired us all to celebrate the Foundation Day of Uttar Pradesh.”

“Our government launched the flagship scheme of “One District One Product” (ODOP). The ODOP scheme has doubled Uttar Pradesh’s exports. Before 2017, Uttar Pradesh was known as the state of riots and the hub of criminal activities; today, it is referred to as the hub of exports. This is the inspiring story of the brand-new Uttar Pradesh.”

The Planning Department has issued a Family Card, said the Chief Minister. “The dashboard for Millet Promotion Scheme and Natural Farming was inaugurated by the Agriculture Department. We have already provided 2 crore tablets and laptops to the youth here,” said the Chief Minister.

Together with the Centre, the State Government is going to give the benefits of CM Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, which was launched by Governor Anandiben Patel, to 7.5 lakh graduate youths of the State in the next one year”, he added.

He said, “on this occasion, ODOP’s 6 beneficiary-oriented schemes and the Uttar Pradesh Notary Management website have been launched.”

Thanking PM Modi for giving UP the opportunity to host 11 programs of G20, he said that one of the four cities where these programs will be held is Lucknow.

“Through the Global Investors Summit to be held between February 10-12, investment worth lakhs of crores of rupees is going to come to the State. Now the youth here will not have to go to other countries and different states of the country for jobs and employment. 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 program, 16 artists were given Vivekananda Youth Award by the Youth Welfare Department. Five artisans and handicrafts men associated with the Mati Kala Board were honored with the Mati Kala Khadi Gramodyog Award whereas 9 players were honored with the Laxman and Rani Laxmibai awards by the Sports Department.

Along with this, three ‘divyangjan’ players were also honored on the occasion.