Haridwar, February 6: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated on Friday that the disrespect towards Ram devotees is not just an affront to a single group, but to India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. He emphasized that the erosion of this heritage and values led Uttar Pradesh to become a hub of chaos, riots, and insecurity for an extended period.
Speaking at the installation ceremony of Swami Satyamitranand Giri Maharaj‘s idol in Haridwar, the Chief Minister recalled a time when Ram devotees faced violence, and spiritual values were undermined. This resulted in Uttar Pradesh becoming a center for riots, looting, and lawlessness.
CM Adityanath asserted that the situation has drastically changed today. There is no longer chaos, riots, or curfews in the state. Both riots and rioters have been eradicated. He noted that curfews are now imposed on criminals. This transformation is a result of clear policies and strong will. He remarked that it was once unimaginable that a grand Ram temple could be constructed in Ayodhya after 500 years, yet it has now become a reality. By honoring its heritage, the state has fostered a secure environment, positioning Uttar Pradesh as the second-largest economy in the country.
He addressed questions about his governance without formal administrative training, stating that the Indian ashram system provides practical knowledge in administration and management. The ascetic life teaches discipline, service, and leadership. He claimed that the true education of an MBA is rooted in the Indian ashram tradition.
CM Adityanath reported that over 210 million devotees have bathed at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati during the ongoing Magh Mela in Prayagraj. He highlighted that Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura-Vrindavan, Prayagraj, Haridwar, Badrinath, and Kedarnath have evolved from mere religious sites to centers of national consciousness. He noted that preserving and developing these faith centers has benefited the country both culturally and economically. Once considered backward, Uttar Pradesh is now advancing towards development and good governance.
The Chief Minister stated that India is not just a geographical entity but a nation forged through the penance of the sage tradition. He pointed out that history shows that nations that neglect their culture and civilization cannot improve the present or secure the future. Yogi Adityanath remarked that during the Vedic era, India was a symbol of a self-reliant civilization and played a significant role in the global economy. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s leadership, India is once again taking a leading role in the global economy.