Lucknow: For 13-year-old Pankhuri Tripathi, a student of Class 7 from Purdilpur in Gorakhpur’s Kotwali area, the first day of the new academic session turned into a moment she will never forget. Facing the grim prospect of dropping out due to her family's financial distress, Pankhuri found unexpected hope and support when she met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his Janata Darshan on Tuesday morning.
During his visit to Gorakhpur, CM Yogi was interacting with citizens at the Digvijaynath Smriti Bhawan auditorium within the Gorakhnath temple complex, listening to grievances and issuing directives for quick resolution. Among those waiting in line was Pankhuri, holding a prayer letter and a desperate plea.
As the Chief Minister approached her, Pankhuri stood up and said, “Maharaj ji, I want to study. Please help with the fees or get it waived.” Moved by her request, CM Yogi stopped and engaged in a warm, empathetic conversation. He asked about her background and the reason for her distress.
Pankhuri explained that she studies in an English-medium school, but her family had fallen on hard times. Her father, Rajeev Tripathi, has become physically disabled, and her mother, Meenakshi, works in a local shop to support the family. Her elder brother is a student of Class 12. With no means to pay her school fees, Pankhuri said she skipped school and came directly to seek help from the Chief Minister.
Reassuring her with a smile, Yogi Adityanath said, “Don’t worry at all. Your education will not be interrupted. I will ensure the school waives your fee. And if not, I will personally arrange for it.” He then directed the officials present to ensure that no financial constraint should stand in the way of Pankhuri’s education.
Overwhelmed by the assurance and kindness, Pankhuri requested to take a photo with the Chief Minister. Without hesitation, he granted her wish, creating a moment that the young girl later described as unforgettable. “There is no one like Maharaj ji,” she said with tears of joy.
CM Listens to Grievances of 100 Citizens
Apart from Pankhuri’s heartfelt interaction, the Chief Minister spent the morning addressing issues raised by around 100 people during the Janata Darshan. He emphasized that resolving public grievances remains the government's top priority and directed officials to act promptly.
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“There should be no delay in resolving public issues. Welfare schemes must reach those in need without red tape,” he said. He further instructed officers to expedite processes related to housing assistance, treatment cost estimates from hospitals for the poor, and other social welfare schemes.
Tuesday’s Janata Darshan not only reflected the administration’s responsiveness but also revealed the human side of governance — where a schoolgirl’s determination met a Chief Minister’s compassion.
