Lucknow: Under the inspiration and guidance of Governor Anandiben Patel, a grand celebration was organized today at Jan Bhawan, Lucknow, to mark the Uttar Pradesh State Foundation Day. The event commenced with the screening of an impactful documentary highlighting the state’s rich historical, cultural, and social heritage, portraying Uttar Pradesh’s glorious past, developmental journey, and cultural diversity. Students from Lucknow’s universities performed cultural presentations emphasizing patriotism and Indian traditions.
In her address, Governor Patel extended heartfelt greetings to all citizens of Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of State Foundation Day. She emphasized India’s geographical, natural, and cultural diversity, noting that each state has its unique identity and characteristics, yet the country’s unity strengthens the concept of “Unity in Diversity.” She highlighted the “Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat” vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inspiring citizens to connect with the culture, history, and traditions of different states.
Governor Patel underlined Uttar Pradesh’s rapid development across higher education, tourism, connectivity, modern infrastructure, and innovation. She recalled the state’s historic role in India’s independence struggle, particularly the First War of Independence in 1857, and emphasized Uttar Pradesh’s prominence in population, parliamentary representation, and contribution of the maximum number of Prime Ministers to the nation.
She further highlighted the state’s cultural, historical, and geographical significance. The government has developed tourism circuits including Ramayana, Brij, Mahabharata, spiritual, Jain, and Buddhist circuits, ensuring world-class facilities for visitors. Each district is known for unique products or crafts, and Uttar Pradesh’s offerings are gaining recognition nationally and internationally across agriculture, food processing, dairy, startups, infrastructure, and defense sectors.
Governor Patel praised the state’s cultural richness, including literature, art, and traditions. She referred to landmarks like the newly constructed Shri Ram Lalla Temple in Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath Dham, and Varanasi as key centers of faith attracting devotees globally. She expressed satisfaction at the state’s inclusive progress in health, education, and social development, highlighting initiatives such as strengthening Anganwadi centers, child health protection, TB eradication, and quality higher education.
She also highlighted health initiatives including the adoption of 317 TB patients under the Jan Bhawan program (2019–2025), support to nearly 4 lakh patients through the Nikshay Mitra scheme, and free HPV vaccination for over 40,000 girls to prevent cervical cancer. Over 50,000 Anganwadi centers received essential kits as part of Jan Bhawan’s inspiring initiatives.
Governor Patel recalled 2025 as a historic year for Uttar Pradesh with the inauguration of the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal in Lucknow by the Prime Minister, featuring 65-foot bronze statues of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. She encouraged active participation in building a self-reliant and developed India by 2047.
Emphasizing social responsibility, she urged collective efforts to address health, education, and social issues with sensitivity. She spoke on cow welfare, supporting the underprivileged during extreme winters, and promoting humanity alongside compassion. She advocated for providing quality education, nutrition, school uniforms, and co-curricular opportunities to children from underprivileged backgrounds, stating, “Talent and quality do not distinguish between rich and poor.”
Governor Patel stressed the importance of campus cleanliness, gender equality, and creating an inclusive educational environment free of caste-based bias. She encouraged daughters to be self-reliant and mindful of their surroundings, advising students to remain focused on studies and personal growth.
The cultural program showcased Uttar Pradesh’s rich folk, classical, and patriotic traditions through singing and dance. Highlights included the state song performed by Bhatkhande Sanskriti University artists, patriotic songs “Mere Watan” by Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University students, and a social-themed play by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University students. Performances by S.G.P.G.I., Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, and Dr. Shakuntala Mishra Rehabilitation University beautifully depicted folk music, Kajri, Phag dance, and Birha traditions. Group dances and devotional performances by Lucknow University and Bhatkhande Sanskriti University added cultural grandeur to the event.
The event was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Governor) Dr. Sudhir Mahadev Bobde, Special Secretary Shriprakash Gupta, Special Officer (Education) Dr. Pankaj L. Johny, officials and staff of Jan Bhawan, as well as faculty and students from Lucknow-based universities.
