Heritage Pride Key to Social Strength, Says UP CM Yogi Adityanath at Leadership Summit

New Delhi | December 08, 2025 Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said on Saturday that a society must feel proud of its cultural roots and heritage, adding that recent developments in Ayodhya reflect this spirit across the country. He was speaking at the 23rd Hindustan Times Leadership Summit in New Delhi, where he discussed heritage, development, law and order, and the changing landscape of Uttar Pradesh. When asked about ongoing movements by Hindu groups in Varanasi and Mathura seeking the construction of temples at disputed sites, the chief minister responded that the government’s efforts were already reaching all important places connected to Indian culture and faith. He said the momentum seen during the Ram Temple construction had encouraged people to reconnect with their own traditions. Adityanath called the completion of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya one of the most historic moments of his tenure. He said the journey to build the temple stretched across generations, and the final outcome brought a deep sense of satisfaction and pride. According to him, the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Ayodhya case was accepted peacefully across the country, which he described as a major victory for Indian democracy. He added that the temple’s foundation-laying ceremony and the later “praan pratistha” event led to record pilgrim movement, with more than 240 million devotees visiting Ayodhya. Speaking about his eight years in office, the chief minister said Uttar Pradesh had undergone significant changes in governance, infrastructure, and public safety. He said the state, once considered difficult for investment, had become more welcoming due to strict action against crime and corruption. According to him, restoring confidence in law and order was the first step toward economic progress. Adityanath shared that his government has set a target to make Uttar Pradesh a $1-trillion economy by 2029–30, and a $6-trillion economy by 2047. He said discussions in the state assembly had already laid the foundation for this long-term roadmap. He added that the state’s growth in the last three years pointed clearly toward this goal, and he believed that Uttar Pradesh would emerge as a developed and self-reliant state. Addressing questions about police encounters and strong action against criminals, the chief minister reiterated his policy of zero tolerance. He said people deserved safety and timely justice, and that criminal networks had to be dismantled firmly. He explained that the state was committed to protecting women and maintaining the dignity of citizens, and would not hesitate to take tough decisions when required. He added that criminals who threatened public safety would be dealt with in a language they understood. Adityanath also highlighted the major infrastructure developments underway in Uttar Pradesh. He spoke about the expansion of metro routes, construction of expressways, and the rapid improvement in air connectivity. He pointed out that the new Jewar airport near Noida would be inaugurated within two months, initially handling 12 million passengers a year and later expanding to accommodate up to 120 million. He said such projects would help Uttar Pradesh become an important economic hub in the coming years. The chief minister also mentioned housing reforms and welfare initiatives aimed at improving everyday life for citizens. He said that festivals in Ayodhya now attract millions of people, showing how faith and tourism together can bring new energy to the state. Throughout the discussion, Adityanath stressed that development and heritage were not separate ideas. He said progress becomes meaningful only when people stay connected to their cultural identity. According to him, both economic growth and cultural pride will guide Uttar Pradesh toward a more confident future. Heritage Pride Key to Social Strength, Says UP CM Yogi Adityanath at Leadership Summit A society grows stronger when it stays connected to its roots - that was the central message from UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit in New Delhi. He spoke about how the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has revived a sense of cultural pride, with millions of devotees visiting the city since the foundation was laid and later during the “praan pratistha.” According to him, this moment wasn’t just historic for Uttar Pradesh but for the entire country. Yogi Adityanath also shared that the government’s work is reaching key cultural places like Varanasi and Mathura, where people are showing renewed interest in heritage and tradition. He said the Supreme Court’s verdict being accepted peacefully was a big example of India’s democratic strength. Talking about development, he said Uttar Pradesh has changed a lot in the last eight years. From better law and order to big projects like expressways, metros, and airports, the state is moving fast. He mentioned that the new Jewar airport will open soon and play a major role in boosting connectivity and growth. He also stressed that investment can grow only when people feel safe, which is why the state adopted a strict stance on crime and corruption. Yogi Adityanath also spoke about his aim to make Uttar Pradesh a $1-trillion economy by 2029–30. He said the progress of the last few years shows that the state is on the right track. For him, development and cultural pride go hand in hand, and both are important for a confident and growing society.