Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday strongly criticised those describing people from Uttarakhand as infiltrators, saying that people who associate themselves with Bangladeshi and Pakistani infiltrators were questioning the identity and patriotism of the people of Devbhoomi.
Addressing the Uttarakhand Mahotsav 2026 at Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant Upvan in Lucknow, Yogi said Uttarakhand had made an invaluable contribution to India’s cultural heritage and national security. He described the allegations against people from the hill state as a reflection of divisive thinking.
Recalling that Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, Uttar Pradesh’s first Chief Minister, also belonged to Uttarakhand, Yogi pointed out that major rivers, including the Ganga, Yamuna, Saryu, Rapti and Ramganga, originate in the state.
Uttarakhand’s contribution to national security
The Chief Minister said critics questioning the people of Uttarakhand often ignored their contribution to the country’s defence. He observed that soldiers from the state serve across the country without distinguishing between borders in Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan or Uttarakhand.
Referring to freedom fighter Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali, Yogi recalled how he had refused to fire on innocent Indians during British rule despite facing punishment for his decision.
He also paid tribute to India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, and referred to the contributions of the present CDS, General Anil Chauhan, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. He said Uttarakhand had produced several distinguished personalities who had served the nation.
Taking another political swipe, Yogi alleged that some people were more concerned about defending dreaded mafia figures than respecting the country’s traditions and cultural values.
Pant Upvan to remain available for Uttarakhand Mahaparishad
Yogi assured the Uttarakhand Mahaparishad that Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant Upvan would continue to remain available for its cultural programmes without interruption. He said no other activities would be allowed to interfere with the organisation’s events at the venue.
He added that the Uttar Pradesh government stood firmly with the people of Uttarakhand.
The Chief Minister noted that the Uttarakhand Mahaparishad, established by Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, had been working for the preservation of Uttarakhand’s folk culture, traditions, music and cuisine in Lucknow for 78 years. He said the festival brought together the cultural heritage of the hills and the traditions of Awadh.
Calls for branding Uttarakhand’s traditional cuisine
Highlighting Uttarakhand’s traditional food, Yogi said its local dishes were rich in nutritional and medicinal properties but had not received adequate branding.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promotion of millets, he said grains such as kodo and jhangora had gained wider recognition. He also praised the taste of kulth dal and appreciated stalls featuring traditional foods such as madua, jhangora and amaranth at the festival.
He said Uttar Pradesh was promoting the ‘One District One Cuisine’ initiative following the success of the ‘One District One Product’ programme. He called for greater recognition of regional food traditions and encouraged Uttarakhand artists to use the festival as a platform to connect with younger generations.
Cultural heritage and civic duties key to developed India
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s five pledges, Yogi said every citizen had a role in building a developed India and a developed Uttar Pradesh.
He identified pride in India’s heritage, freedom from symbols of colonial rule, respect for the armed forces, social unity and the sincere discharge of civic responsibilities as important elements of national development.
He also highlighted the shared religious and cultural heritage of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, referring to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Panch Prayag and Kainchi Dham in Uttarakhand, and Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura-Vrindavan, Prayagraj, Vindhyavasini Dham and Naimisharanya in Uttar Pradesh.
He cautioned against forces attempting to divide society along caste, regional and linguistic lines.
Ayodhya and Kashi have undergone transformation
The Chief Minister said Ayodhya and Kashi had witnessed significant development under the present government. Recalling the condition of Ayodhya under previous governments, he said the city had earlier suffered from poor lighting and sanitation, while it now hosts grand celebrations such as Deepotsav.
He also referred to the organisation of the Divya Kumbh and said Uttar Pradesh had moved from being considered a backward economy to becoming one of India’s three leading state economies. He added that the influence of mafias in districts had declined under the present government.
Uttarakhand Gaurav Awards presented
During the programme, Yogi conferred the Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman on Padma Shri award-winning scientist Professor Vijay Prasad Dimri, who was born in Chamoli, and noted folk singer Beena Tiwari from Almora.
He appreciated their contributions to science, culture and society. The Chief Minister also remembered former leaders Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna and Narayan Dutt Tiwari for their contributions to Uttar Pradesh. He particularly referred to the birth centenary of Narayan Dutt Tiwari.
Yogi and other dignitaries also released the special 2026 edition of the magazine ‘Uttarakhand Darpan’, titled ‘Viksit Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. Its editor-in-chief, Puran Singh Jeena, was present on the occasion. The publication documents the development journeys and cultural achievements of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Children present cultural performances
Young folk artists of the Uttarakhand Mahaparishad welcomed the Chief Minister by presenting him with a memento. Following his address, they performed the traditional Guru Gorakhnath Jagar and presented folk songs and dances reflecting Uttarakhand’s cultural traditions.
MLA OP Srivastava, former minister and MP Professor Rita Bahuguna Joshi, Chief Minister’s Adviser Awanish Awasthi, corporator Umesh Sanwal, festival convenor Diwan Singh Adhikari, Mahaparishad president Harish Chandra Pant, general secretary Bharat Singh Bisht, senior vice-president Mangal Singh Rawat, secretary Rajesh Bisht, adviser Chandramohan Nautiyal, media in-charge Rajendra Kanwal and BJP leader Chetan Bisht were among those present. A large number of people from Uttarakhand also attended the event.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
