Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel laid the foundation stone for the construction of a shed over the skating rink located inside the Raj Bhavan premises. The project, funded by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, is estimated to cost ₹56.47 lakh.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that while outdoor sports are generally more beneficial under the open sky, the shed is being constructed to protect children from extreme weather and ensure uninterrupted practice. The work is expected to be completed within two months, after which children will be able to train comfortably throughout the year. She added that students from other schools will also be allowed to use the facility.
The Governor directed officials to provide specialised training to children who have been performing at the state level, enabling them to excel at national and international platforms. She informed that a school bus has been arranged with the support of SBI to ensure regular attendance and urged teachers to closely monitor student presence, interact with parents when necessary, and encourage regular schooling.
Governor Patel emphasised that children should not be made to sit in unnecessary programmes that may affect their studies. She instructed that exam answer sheets be evaluated by an independent third-party examiner to ensure transparency, adding that she would personally review some of them. She advised students to study regularly, complete homework on time, eat nutritious meals properly and read Mahatma Gandhi’s autobiography daily.
Highlighting the importance of real-world exposure, she encouraged that children living within the Raj Bhavan campus be taken outside periodically to help develop discipline, practical knowledge, and adaptability.
During the programme, the Governor announced the upcoming establishment of an Anganwadi centre within Raj Bhavan for children aged 3 to 6 years.
Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharakwal, present on the occasion, said the project reflects the Governor’s commitment to children’s holistic development. She noted that many Raj Bhavan facilities have been opened for public benefit due to the Governor’s visionary approach. On World Toilet Day, she urged citizens to remain committed to cleanliness, and hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives for women’s empowerment, including the historic passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill. The event was attended by senior Raj Bhavan officials, Lucknow Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar, academicians, students, parents, and several dignitaries.
