LUCKNOW – Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the ‘Seva Pakhwada’ (Service Fortnight) campaign workshop at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan on Wednesday, guiding party workers and boosting their morale. The Chief Minister stated that all BJP programs are driven by the spirit of “Nation First” and are not for personal gain. “We move forward considering the vision of our founders—’Nation First’—as our life’s mission,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of the ‘Seva Pakhwada’ campaign, which runs from September 17 to October 2. He urged that all campaign events be carried out successfully while also ensuring that festivals like Vijayadashami, which falls on October 2, are celebrated easily.
‘Vocal for Local’ and National Security
CM Adityanath underscored the significance of the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, describing it as a way to honor local artisans. He noted that the policy has significantly boosted exports from Uttar Pradesh and will serve as a milestone in achieving self-reliance. He urged everyone to promote local goods, stating, “The country’s money should go to its own artisans. If it goes outside, it will be used for terrorism against India.”
Cleanliness, Environment, and Health Initiatives
Referring to the cleanliness campaign, the Chief Minister called for it to become a part of daily life. He said that no one understands the importance of cleanliness more than the people of Uttar Pradesh, where walking in villages was once difficult due to foul odor and dirt. He credited cleanliness for the eradication of diseases like encephalitis and urged booth-level teams to participate in programs held in impoverished areas.
He also mentioned the state’s environmental achievements, noting that Uttar Pradesh has set a new record by planting more than 360 million saplings in a single day this year under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (A Tree in My Mother’s Name) campaign. Over the past eight years, the state has planted 2.4 billion saplings, leading to an increase in forest cover.
The Chief Minister also gave a mantra for health, telling the youth, “The more you work hard, the more capacity you will have to fight diseases.” He praised India’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing its lower death toll to the United States.
Future Plans and Upcoming Events
CM Adityanath announced that he will be meeting with over 300 retired IAS and IFS officers, as well as various experts, to discuss programs for a ‘Developed and Self-Reliant Uttar Pradesh.’ These programs will also be held in colleges, schools, and other institutions, with public representatives participating.
He suggested gifting books written on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the campaign. The Chief Minister also mentioned upcoming sports and cultural events, including a “Namo Marathon” in all 17 municipal corporations and Gautam Buddh Nagar, inviting BJYM President Tejasvi Surya to the event.
The event was attended by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha President and Member of Parliament Tejasvi Surya, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, State BJP President Chaudhary Bhupendra Singh, and other senior party leaders.
