Gorakhpur: Uttar Pradesh has moved beyond its former “Bimaru” image and emerged as a growth engine of India’s economy, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, highlighting the state’s economic expansion, employment generation, startup ecosystem and improvements in law and order.
Addressing a children’s fair felicitation programme at Digvijaynath Postgraduate College in Gorakhpur, the Chief Minister said the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS) 2026 in Greater Noida was showcasing the state’s capabilities to the world. He noted that products from across Uttar Pradesh, including Gorakhpur’s terracotta crafts, were being displayed, while buyers from 90 countries had attended the event.
Yogi said that before 2017, Uttar Pradesh had considerable potential but lacked the leadership and reforms needed to fully utilise it. He claimed that over the past nine-and-a-half years, the state government had undertaken reforms across sectors, including recruitment, policing, startups and infrastructure.
According to the Chief Minister, 9.5 lakh young people have received government jobs during this period, including 2.30 lakh appointments in the Uttar Pradesh Police. He also said the state’s economy and per-capita income had tripled over the past nine-and-a-half years.
Highlighting the startup ecosystem, Yogi said Uttar Pradesh had only around 130 startups before 2017, while the number has now crossed 24,000.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the government’s sports initiatives, saying 550 sportspersons had so far received government jobs and direct recruitment for another 500 athletes would begin the following week.
Addressing students, Yogi stressed the importance of perseverance, curiosity and self-confidence. Quoting poet Sohanlal Dwivedi’s famous lines on the importance of trying, he urged students not to fear failure and cited former President APJ Abdul Kalam as an example of determination.
On artificial intelligence, Yogi said technology could simplify tasks and provide answers but could not teach people how to ask questions. He encouraged students to remain curious while using technology responsibly for public and national welfare.
The Chief Minister also administered a pledge on environmental protection, cleanliness, traffic rules and staying away from substance abuse, besides felicitating winners of various competitions.
Yogi is also scheduled to participate in tribute programmes at Gorakhnath Temple marking the 57th death anniversary of Mahant Digvijaynath and the 12th death anniversary of Mahant Avaidyanath. Saints and religious leaders from across the country are expected to participate in the programmes.
