Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 10 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that Uttar Pradesh has become one of the leading states in the country over the last seven to eight years.

While addressing a gathering on the occasion of the 28th National Youth Festival in Lucknow, Adityanath noted that, a decade ago, people were hesitant to reveal they were from Uttar Pradesh due to the lack of security and development.

'If you remember Uttar Pradesh from a decade ago, people were hesitant to tell others they were from this state. There was no security, riots were frequent, and anarchy and hooliganism prevailed. We lagged behind in development. UP ranked first in population but was backward in every sector. However, in the past seven to eight years, UP has risen to the ranks among the leading states of India,' Adityanath said.

He highlighted that January 12 is celebrated as the National Youth Festival to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand, who showcased India's culture on the global stage.

'January 12 is celebrated as the Youth Festival because it marks the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand, who put India and its culture on the global map. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this Youth Festival has been organized every year for many years, traditionally in Delhi,' he said.

Adityanath also shared that a team of 63 young people from Uttar Pradesh would participate in the National Youth Festival in Delhi. They will have the opportunity to interact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and take part in various cultural programs.

'Sixty-three young people will represent Uttar Pradesh and participate in the National Youth Festival. They will interact with the Prime Minister and take part in cultural programs. For the festival, we are sending a team to Delhi. Participants will engage in three kinds of programs. PM Modi has outlined key goals for the country, including Viksit Bharat. Young people must explore how they can contribute to a Viksit Bharat,' Adityanath said.

The chief minister also advocated for the promotion of Yuva Sansads over traditional student union elections to foster leadership among the younger generation. He emphasized the importance of nationalism and empathy in a young person’s development.

'The youth will also get to participate in Yuva Sansads. We should promote Yuva Sansads instead of student union elections to help the new generation excel in leadership. No matter the field a young person works in, if they lack nationalism, affection for the motherland, and empathy for fellow citizens, their development is meaningless,' he added.

(ANI)