Yogi Adityanath pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri
UP CM Yogi Adityanath pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri, emphasizing self-reliance and Khadi promotions.
In a solemn ceremony on Friday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 157th birth anniversary, honoring the Father of the Nation's enduring legacy. The occasion was doubly significant as it also marked the 122nd birth anniversary of India's former Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri.
A Legacy of Self-Reliance and Swadeshi
Reflecting on the historical impact of the freedom struggle, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted how Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of self-reliance and Swadeshi served as the driving force for India's independence. He noted that Gandhi's leadership transformed a scattered resistance into a massive movement that ultimately compelled the British government to depart from Indian soil.
“Respected Bapu’s self-reliance, from Swadeshi, became the mantra for India’s freedom,” the Chief Minister stated. He emphasized that the vision of a self-reliant India remains a cornerstone for the nation's future, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "Local to Global" initiative to bring indigenous products to the world stage.
Promoting Khadi in Uttar Pradesh
To honor the spirit of Swadeshi, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced significant measures to support the textile sector. The CM announced that a 25 per cent discount on Khadi clothes will be available to citizens until January 30, 2027. He urged the residents of the state to integrate Khadi into their daily lives to support local artisans and craftsmen.
Honoring the Simplicity of Lal Bahadur Shastri
The Chief Minister also spoke extensively about the late Lal Bahadur Shastri, praising his character and his profound impact on the nation. Describing Shastri as a leader of immense simplicity and resilience, Yogi Adityanath remarked, “He did what he said, he said what he did.”
The CM highlighted Shastri's pivotal role in achieving foodgrain self-sufficiency and his iconic slogan, “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”. He noted how the slogan perfectly captured the duality of India's strength: the soldiers guarding the borders and the farmers ensuring food security for the nation's people.
“As simple and effortless as he was, he was equally tough on the inside. As sensitive as he was, his personality was equally resilient,” Yogi Adityanath said, while acknowledging the immense contribution of both soldiers and farmers in making India a self-reliant nation in food production.