Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honoured the winners of the National Youth Festival-2025 and Youth Parliament-2025 in Lucknow by presenting them with certificates of appreciation and tablets. He emphasized that Uttar Pradesh is not only the largest state by population, but also a powerhouse of talented youth who will drive India’s growth through sports, culture and innovation.
The Chief Minister said that the path to building a “Viksit Bharat (Developed India)” passes through Uttar Pradesh, and the “Viksit Uttar Pradesh” campaign is receiving widespread public support.
During the event, he launched MLA and MP-level sports competitions, inaugurated Youth Empowerment Centres, and distributed sports kits to 16,000 Yuvak and Mahila Mangal Dals. The best regional youth welfare officers were also felicitated.
Calling it a “Diwali gift for the youth”, CM Yogi announced that over 80,000 Mangal Dals have already received sports kits. He said village-level competitions will now progress to block, assembly, and parliamentary levels.
Highlighting the importance of sports, culture, and local art, he urged youth to promote folk singing, storytelling, theatre and Ramleela traditions in villages, stating that these preserve heritage and community spirit.
He also linked Mission Shakti with Mahila Mangal Dals, encouraging women’s participation in security, welfare and awareness programs.
CM Yogi shared that the ‘Viksit Uttar Pradesh’ campaign has become a mass movement, collecting over 40 lakh public suggestions through the Samarth portal and outreach to 57,600 gram panchayats and academic institutions.
He stressed that sports are no longer just entertainment but a necessity of life, noting that over 500 national and international athletes have received government jobs in the past three years.
The state is developing playgrounds in every village, mini stadiums at block level, main stadiums at district level, open gyms and training centres. Additionally, 50 youth centres are being set up and over 12.64 lakh youth have registered on the AI-enabled ‘Yuva Sathi’ portal.
He also highlighted massive youth participation in events celebrating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, reinforcing national unity.
“Youth are the architects of Developed India 2047,” CM Yogi said. “Uttar Pradesh, rich in youth talent, will lead the nation in sports, culture and innovation.”
The event was attended by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Sports and Youth Welfare Girish Chandra Yadav, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Seth, MLAs Yogesh Shukla, Amresh Kumar, Lalji Prasad Nirmal, and senior officials of the department.
