Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh marked its Foundation Day on January 24 with a grand celebration inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the Avadh Shilp Gram in Lucknow. The three-day event, running from January 24 to 26, is themed “Vikas Aur Virasat: Pragati Path Par Uttar Pradesh” (Development and Heritage: Uttar Pradesh on the Path of Progress). It aims to showcase the state’s rich history, cultural legacy, and remarkable achievements in recent years.
Prominent Leaders Extend Greetings
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his warm wishes to the people of Uttar Pradesh on this special occasion. The event saw the presence of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Governor Anandiben Patel, alongside CM Yogi, who collectively honored six distinguished individuals with the “Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman”.
Recognizing Excellence: Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman
The prestigious award was presented to six notable personalities for their outstanding contributions in various fields. Each awardee received ₹11 lakh and a commemorative shield. The honorees include:
- Krishnakant Shukla from Varanasi – Physicist, musician, and poet
- Himanshu Gupta from Vrindavan, Mathura – Entrepreneur and environmentalist
- Manish Verma from Kanpur – Agriculture innovator and advocate for Dalit entrepreneurship
- Krishna Yadav from Bulandshahr – Woman entrepreneur
- Colonel Subhash Deshwal from Bulandshahr – Agricultural and business innovator
- Dr. Jai Singh from Bahraich – Pioneer in banana cultivation
Special Programs Across Three Days
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh revealed details of the grand celebration. The event commenced at 3 PM on January 24 and featured exhibitions of ODOP (One District One Product) goods from 75 districts, along with displays of regional cuisine, arts, and culture.
On January 25, National Tourism Day will include activities like painting competitions, reel-making contests, and a tourism exhibition aimed at encouraging youth participation. January 26, coinciding with Republic Day, will witness the felicitation of prominent personalities from the fields of art and culture.
Promoting Art, Culture, and Heritage
The state government has made significant efforts to promote art and culture inclusively. According to Tourism Minister Singh, more than 55,000 artists have been provided platforms under the current administration.
The Foundation Day celebrations not only commemorate the establishment of Uttar Pradesh but also highlight its ongoing journey of progress, honoring individuals and communities contributing to its growth and development.
