Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that a society can only advance by drawing inspiration from the glorious chapters of its history, while also taking timely steps to rectify past errors. He made these remarks during the closing ceremony of the 134th annual sports competition at Colvin Taluqdars' College in Lucknow on Tuesday.
Festivals as Pillars of Cultural Unity
The Chief Minister elaborated that India has preserved its rich traditions through festivals and celebrations, which have historically remained free from political interference. He noted that kings, princes, and societal leaders never meddled but instead actively contributed to cultural preservation and promotion.
He provided examples of how festivals serve as a unifying force. The celebration of Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya is observed nationwide as Diwali, while Holi transcends social barriers to become a festival of equality. Other occasions like Ram Navami, Janmashtami, Shivratri, and Raksha Bandhan further bind the social fabric together. "Our ancestors preserved these festivals as traditions and passed them down through generations," Yogi stated.
Drawing Lessons from Historic Centres of Excellence
Adityanath praised the college's initiative of naming its houses after iconic historical and religious sites like Ajanta, Nalanda, Taxila, Sanchi, and Ujjain. He connected these names to India's ancient intellectual legacy.
Taxila, he explained, was one of the world's oldest universities, laying the foundations for knowledge, science, Ayurveda, and philosophy over 2,500 years ago. He highlighted the rich scholarly tradition of Nalanda, the astronomical expertise rooted in Ujjain along with the justice of Maharaja Vikramaditya, and the enduring architectural marvels of Ajanta and Sanchi. "These still stand as proof of India's intellectual and cultural eminence," the CM said, commending efforts to foster all-round student development based on these values.
A Call for Discipline and a Warning Against Division
In his address, Yogi Adityanath inspired students to dedicate themselves to hard work, asserting that discipline is the non-negotiable key to progress in life. He advised balancing regular studies with creative pursuits and underscored that a disciplined routine forms the bedrock of a healthy life.
The Chief Minister also cautioned the youth against the excessive use of social media and smartphones, recommending limiting usage to no more than half an hour daily on these platforms. He warned students to be vigilant against forces that seek to divide society, contrasting them with unifying ideas like 'Vande Mataram', which he said awakened the freedom struggle during the college's founding era in 1889.
He paid emotional tributes to the former president of the institution, Kunwar Anand Singh, recalling their discussions on the college's development. The CM's speech also connected the students' march past to the spirit of the Azad Hind Fauj soldiers, who heeded Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's call for freedom.
Looking ahead, Yogi Adityanath pointed to 2025 as a landmark year, marking several historic milestones that remind the nation of its glorious journey. These include the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 350th birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, the 150th year of the composition of Vande Mataram, the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, and the completion of 75 years of the Indian Constitution.
