Poverty, inequality must be eliminated in next 25 yrs: Yogi Adityanath

While paying tributes to 'Awadh Kesari' Rana Beni Madhav Baksh Singh for his sacrifice, spirit and valour on his 218th birth anniversary in Rae Bareli, Yogi said that Rana Beni Madhav Baksh Singh freed the entire Awadh region from British tyranny 90 years before India attained freedom for a period of nearly 1.5 years.

During Bhav Samarpan Samaroh, Yogi said, "Rana Beni Madhav Baksh Singh and Veera Pasi not only led the freedom struggle in the Awadh region during India’s first war of Independence in 1857, but also inspired generations to continue fighting against slavery and for India’s independence with dedication till it was attained."

Stating that all Indians are extremely fortunate to witness India’s Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsava, the CM said that every citizen must work to fulfil the resolutions laid by the Prime Minister to achieve the goal of India we dream of in the next 25 years.

"To bring India at par with other leading nations in the world, we as citizens must discharge our duties towards the nation with utmost honesty and dedication," he said.

He said that every citizen and the section that they represent in society must ensure their maximum and honest contribution towards building a self-reliant nation and a superpower.

"While the government has prioritised the development of the state and is working in that direction by preparing strategies and forming roadmaps, every citizen must also contribute to achieving the goal of an India where there is no place for poverty, inequality, anarchy, and an India which is seen leading the world towards humanity, peace and harmony," he said.

Yogi said that the contribution of Prithviraj Chouhan, Maharana Pratap Singh and Guru Gobind Singh was towards ending the foreign rule that was present in India during their times.

"Although Indians never accepted British rule, in 1857, entire India fought unitedly against the Britishers and with presence of great revolutionaries like Mangal Pandey, Rani Lakshmi Bai, Kotwal Dhan Singh, the land of UP sparked the fire for independence during the first war of independence," he said.

He said that the events in UP, like Chauri Chaura in Gorakhpur (1922), Kakori Train Action near Lucknow (1925), and many other countless places strengthened the country's fight for freedom.

On the occasion, the CM also extended his greetings to Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military award, and said "Our soldiers and warriors have showed their valour in every hour of need and their contribution is unmatched in ensuring country’s progress."

He said that during the Covid pandemic, India under the leadership of PM Modi, carried forward its relentless fight, giving priority to humanity.

"The government made the best use of technology and conveyed its sentiments to the common man during the crisis. Utilisation of technology with sensitivity is the need of today which will ensure a prosperous and peaceful future of the nation," he said.

Yogi urged colleges and all educational institutions to prepare a framework in a manner that the youth and upcoming generations are made aware of the sacrifices and the contribution of known and unsung heroes of the country.

"Colleges should not just present degrees to the students, but also encourage research and documentation to create awareness," he said.