Lucknow: On India’s 79th Independence Day, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hoisted the national flag at a grand ceremony in front of the Vidhan Bhawan and extended heartfelt greetings to the people of the state. Paying tribute to the heroes of the freedom struggle, CM Yogi reiterated the resolution for Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Uttar Pradesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He stated that independence does not mean unrestrained freedom, but a grand festival of commitment to national duties and responsibility toward society. Highlighting the valour of the Indian Army, the strength of the swadeshi model, and Uttar Pradesh’s progress, CM Yogi called for realizing the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
CM Yogi said that the sacrifices of countless revolutionaries, freedom fighters, and brave soldiers freed the country from centuries of slavery. He bowed to Mahatma Gandhi, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and other known and unknown martyrs. He expressed gratitude to soldiers defending the nation’s borders and to personnel ensuring internal security after independence. CM Yogi praised the valour of the Indian Army and the strength of Made in India weapons that showed its prowess in the recent ‘Operation Sindoor,’ which defeated enemies under adverse conditions and safeguarded India’s unity and integrity. He added, “BrahMos missiles and Made in India drones manufactured in Lucknow have established India’s capabilities globally.”
CM Yogi emphasized that independence is not arrogance or unrestrained freedom, but a grand festival for every citizen and every resident of Uttar Pradesh must fulfil their duties. He said, "Every Indian and every resident of Uttar Pradesh must honestly fulfil their responsibilities towards the society, the state, and the nation. "
Reemphasising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolution for Viksit Bharat by the centenary of India’s independence in 2047, he said, "If every citizen fulfils their duties, this goal will be achieved sooner, and India will emerge as the world’s greatest power by 2047."
Referring to India’s development journey over the past 11 years, CM Yogi said, "In 2014, India was the world’s 11th largest economy, and it has now become the 4th largest economy."
Highlighting the strength of the Swadeshi model and Make in India initiative, he said, "The made in India missiles and drones used in Operation Sindoor not only proved India’s defence capabilities but also demonstrated the power of Swadeshi technology on a global scale."
CM Yogi said that adopting swadeshi products will keep the nation’s wealth within the country, benefiting artisans, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs. He urged people to buy swadeshi gifts and daily-use items to boost India’s economic prosperity.
Addressing the people on Independence Day, CM Yogi presented a detailed account of Uttar Pradesh’s achievements over the past eight years. He said, "Before 2017, the state was plagued by lawlessness, riots, and insecurity. Women, traders, and common citizens were not safe. In the past eight years, Uttar Pradesh has introduced a new model of security. The state is now riot-free and a symbol of good governance. Economically, UP’s GSDP has risen from Rs 13 lakh crore to Rs 32 lakh crore, and per capita income has increased from Rs 43,000 to Rs 1.2 lakh."
CM Yogi noted that despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, UP performed better than the national growth rate.
Uttar Pradesh has made unprecedented progress in investment. CM Yogi said, "The state received investment proposals worth Rs 45 lakh crore, out of which Rs 15 lakh crore worth of investments have been implemented on the ground, providing jobs to lakhs of youth. In the past eight years, 8.3 lakh youth have received government jobs and 1.62 crore youth have been employed in the MSME sector. Under the CM Yuva Udyami Scheme, youth aged 21–40 are being given interest-free, collateral-free loans of Rs 5 lakh along with 10% margin money, benefiting 70,000 young people. Ninety-six lakh MSME units have been covered with a Rs 5 lakh security insurance, and GST-paying traders are receiving Rs 10 lakh trader welfare insurance."
CM Yogi credited the One District One Product (ODOP) and Vocal for Local campaigns as the foundation of UP’s success. He added, "Before 2017, artisans and craftsmen suffered from despair and migration, but ODOP has taken local products with new designs, technology, and packaging to global markets, doubling exports. The Vishwakarma Shram Samman and PM Vishwakarma Scheme have encouraged 16 types of craftsmen. Under Mission Millet, coarse grain cultivation is being promoted in 34 districts, which will reduce costs through natural farming and address health problems."
UP has achieved historic milestones in agriculture as well. CM Yogi said that in the last eight years, sugarcane payments worth Rs 2.86 lakh crore have been made to farmers, which is more than the total payments made between 1996 and 2017. He added, "UP leads in the production of pulses, oilseeds, potatoes, jowar, bajra, maize, rice, wheat, sugarcane, and ethanol. There are vast opportunities in horticulture and vegetable production. Farmers receive Rs 5 lakh under the Mukhyamantri Krishak Kalyan Beema, Rs 4 lakh for wildlife conflict or snakebite incidents, and free tubewell connections. A Seed Park in Lucknow is being built in the name of Chaudhary Charan Singh."
The CM said that under Operation Kayakalp, 1.36 lakh schools have been transformed. Eighteen Atal Residential Schools, CM Composite Schools, and Kasturba Gandhi Schools have been strengthened. Project Alankar has converted dilapidated schools into digital libraries and smart classrooms. Under the CM Poshan Mission, Anganwadi centres are being developed as pre-primary schools. In healthcare, from 1947 to 2017, only 40 medical colleges were established, but in the last eight years, 40 new medical colleges and 2 AIIMS have been set up. Dialysis and blood transfusion facilities are available in every district, and 7700 Gram Panchayats have been declared TB-free.
UP has built seven expressways, 16 airports, metro, and rapid rail networks. The fifth international airport is under construction in Jewar. For environmental conservation, 247 crore trees have been planted, increasing the forest cover significantly. In the 17th Assembly, a 36-hour continuous discussion was held on Sustainable Development Goals. In the 18th Assembly, an overnight discussion took place, serving as a model of legislative functioning that has become a foundation for UP’s progress.
CM Yogi said that 1.5 million poor families have been linked to schemes and provided employment opportunities. The goal is to make UP poverty-free by 2047. An international centre in Lucknow will be named after Babasaheb Ambedkar, and special scholarships will be introduced. Under Mission Shakti, women’s participation has risen from 14% to 35%, to increase it to 50%.
Box
Independence Day celebrations soaked in patriotism
CM Yogi Adityanath hoisted the tricolour at the Independence Day celebration held in front of Vidhan Bhawan. A shower of flowers from a helicopter filled the crowd with enthusiasm.
The cultural program organized by the Department of Culture drew everyone’s attention. Over 180 artists from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, and Gujarat gave spectacular performances symbolizing the unity and cultural diversity of the nation. These performances inspired feelings of pride and joy among the audience.
From Hazratganj to Vidhan Bhawan, the area was draped in the tricolour. People could be seen carrying flags and enthusiastically celebrating Independence Day. The sight of fluttering flags on the streets and patriotic slogans further enlivened the atmosphere.
Keywords
Independence Day 2025, Yogi Adityanath, Vidhan Bhawan, Flag Hoisting, Self-Reliant India, Swadeshi Model, Developed India, Operation Sindoor, One District One Product, Vocal for Local, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Mission Millet, Security Model, Sugarcane Farmers, MSME, CM Yuva Udyami Scheme, Education Reform, Healthcare Reform, Infrastructure, Cultural Program, Shaurya Chakra, Veer Chakra
