Lucknow : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing a felicitation ceremony for meritorious students organized by a media group at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan on Thursday, emphasized that true success can never come through shortcuts. “Struggle builds character and lasting achievement,” he said, lauding the resilience of students who achieved top ranks despite hardships.
During the event, CM Yogi felicitated the top three rank holders of the UP Board’s High School and Intermediate examinations with e-scooters, Sanskrit Board toppers with smartphones, and students from economically weaker backgrounds with a ₹50,000 cash prize. He urged students to use smartphones judiciously—“Make it a tool for knowledge, not a distraction,” he advised.
Crackdown on Cheating Revived UP’s Image
Reflecting on the past, the CM said that rampant cheating in exams had tarnished Uttar Pradesh’s image and posed an identity crisis for its youth. “There was a time when some political parties treated cheating as a birthright, damaging the credibility of our education system. Today, we’ve ensured transparent, cheating-free examinations,” he said, recalling reforms initiated under former CM Kalyan Singh and Education Minister Rajnath Singh.
CM Yogi remarked that governance means participation, not dominion. “A government is not a king or master, but a partner of the people,” he asserted.
Honouring Academic and Sporting Excellence
Students honoured included High School toppers Yash Pratap Singh, Anshi, Abhishek Kumar Yadav, Ritu Garg, Arpit Verma, and Simran Gupta. Intermediate toppers Mahak Jaiswal, Sakshi, Shivani Singh, Anushka Singh, Adarsh Yadav, and Mohini received medals, certificates, and e-scooter keys. Students like Anita Yadav and Ashish Srivastava were awarded ₹50,000 each for excelling despite economic hardships.
The program was attended by Cabinet Minister Rakesh Sachan, State Ministers Kunwar Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh and Sanjay Gangwar, senior journalist Vijay Tripathi, students, parents, and teachers.
Students, Parents Laud Government’s Vision
The event left students and parents emotionally moved. Many credited the Yogi government for empowering youth and creating new avenues for talent development. “This recognition has filled me with renewed energy to pursue my dreams,” said Vatsal Agrawal, who scored 99.4% in ICSE and aims to become a doctor and IAS officer.
Class 10 CBSE topper Aarav Malhotra and Amroha’s Tanishka Rajput, who secured 99.4% in Class 12, hailed the state’s education initiatives and pledged to serve the nation. High School student Yash Pratap Singh said the government’s focus on innovation is helping develop future-ready skills.
Support to Athletes: A Boost for Women in Sports
Athletes too found cause for cheer. Saharanpur’s Reet Rathore, a gold medalist in high jump at the National School Games, received ₹75,000. “Government support eases family concerns and motivates athletes,” she said. Double gold medalist Nishtha Gupta echoed similar sentiments, calling CM Yogi’s initiative a morale booster for budding sportspersons.
The ceremony not only celebrated academic brilliance but also reflected the transformation of Uttar Pradesh into a state that nurtures merit, rewards determination, and builds a foundation for a bright future.
