Lucknow, February 17: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Monday, highlighted how honoring India’s culture and traditions fosters unity and economic growth, as seen during the Mahakumbh. He noted that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, cities like Ayodhya, Kashi, and Prayagraj have not only revived Indian culture but also significantly boosted the economy, showcasing India’s immense potential on the global stage.
Speaking at a ‘Dialogue with Young Entrepreneurs’ event on Monday, organized by Yuva Bharat Sanstha, the Chief Minister engaged with industrialists from Mumbai and challenged critics of Mahakumbh with facts. He posed a question to the entrepreneurs: “If an investment of Rs 7,500 crores by the Central and State governments can generate economic activity worth Rs 3 to Rs 3.5 lakh crores, isn’t it a wise investment?”
He further highlighted the world-class infrastructure of cities like Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Kashi, Chitrakoot, Gorakhpur, and Naimisharanya. Recalling past opposition to developmental projects such as road widening in Ayodhya, the construction of an international airport, and the Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor, he noted that strong political will ensured their successful completion.
The Chief Minister also shared that, so far, 53 crore devotees have taken a sacred dip in Sangam during Mahakumbh, and the celebrations will continue for the next nine days. He underscored that this is a testament to India’s spiritual and economic strength.
Addressing entrepreneurs, he invited them to visit key pilgrimage sites, including Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Kashi, where millions of devotees from India and across the world are not only reaffirming their faith but also showcasing India’s cultural and economic power to the world.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the past decade has witnessed unprecedented resurgence of faith and cultural pride in the country. He emphasized that India’s spiritual heritage has been restored, and places long associated with its identity have regained their recognition.
He said, “The 500-year wait ended with the grand consecration of Ram Lalla. In 2016-17, when there was no BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, the number of devotees visiting Ayodhya was merely 2.35 lakh. By 2024, this number has surged to over 14-15 crore.” He credited this remarkable transformation to the collective devotion and support of the people.
Speaking on Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the Chief Minister noted that the number of devotees visiting Kashi was significantly lower before its redevelopment. Today, it has grown manifold. Recounting a recent conversation with locals in Kashi, he shared how they had never witnessed such an overwhelming influx of visitors as they have in the past one and a half months.
Comparing pilgrimage attendance, he stated that in the 2013 Prayagraj Kumbh, 12 crore devotees participated over 55 days. In 2019, when Ardh Kumbh as Kumbh, the number doubled to 24 crore. This year, during the 45-day Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, an astounding 53 crore devotees have arrived in just 36 days.
The Chief Minister further highlighted the massive logistical efforts to accommodate this surge. In just 35 days, alongside 40 routine flights, more than 700 chartered flights landed in the region. The Indian Railways has been operating hundreds of special trains daily, while the Transport Corporation has deployed a fleet of 14,000 buses to facilitate travel.
He stated, “From January 28 to 30, 15 crore devotees took a holy dip. On January 28, around 5.5 crore devotees came, followed by 8 crore on January 29, and 2.5 crore on January 30.”
He underscored the meticulous planning by the central and state governments to ensure world-class infrastructure and seamless connectivity. From expanding the fairgrounds to ensuring adequate water flow in the Sangam, every aspect was carefully strategized. As a result, the event has been organized at an unprecedented scale, reaffirming India’s spiritual and cultural strength on a global platform.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that by 8 AM today, 40 lakh devotees had taken a holy dip, and the rituals would continue throughout the day. He emphasized that while respecting faith is essential, its economic impact is equally significant.
Sharing an example, he recounted how an investor expressed interest in setting up a project in Prayagraj—a replica of the Dwadash Jyotirlinga constructed from recycled materials such as old iron, fibre, tyres, and steel. He said, “The investor committed to funding the project with a profit-sharing model of 50-50. The Municipal Corporation allocated 11 acres of land for the initiative, and I inaugurated it in the first week of January. The organization invested Rs 14 crore, and within just 21 days, it recovered its investment and earned an equivalent profit. The Municipal Corporation also benefited from the revenue.”
Citing the success of Shivalik Park, he asserted that spiritual tourism has immense potential, as demonstrated in Prayagraj. He said, “Lakhs of people found employment, leading to increased incomes, ultimately contributing to Uttar Pradesh’s economic growth.” Yogi said that Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India, is home to 25 crore people.
The Chief Minister projected that if the number of pilgrims reaches 60 crores, Uttar Pradesh’s GDP could see a boost of Rs 3.25 to Rs 3.5 lakh crore.
Reflecting on history, he remarked that underestimating faith had led to adverse consequences. He said, “During colonial rule, Indians were made to believe that their heritage was insignificant, while foreign influences were glorified. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi instilled renewed pride in India’s traditions, demonstrating that valuing indigenous beliefs, cultural heritage, and local products can elevate the country’s global standing.”
The Chief Minister stressed that instead of looking to foreign achievements, embracing the legacy of our ancestors can position India as a leader on the world stage.
He cited Prayagraj as a prime example of this transformation. Along with Kashi and Ayodhya, these spiritual hubs have showcased their vast potential, creating employment, boosting local economies, and reinforcing India’s cultural and economic strength.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that there was a time when foreign goods dominated Indian markets. However, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the One District, One Product (ODOP) scheme was launched in 2018 to revive and promote Uttar Pradesh’s traditional MSME sector.
A comprehensive mapping of locally produced goods identified unique products from each district. With targeted support in design, packaging, technology, and marketing, UP successfully expanded its exports and established a distinct brand identity for the state. This initiative has also generated employment opportunities for lakhs of people.
He highlighted how, in the past, festivals like Holi and Diwali were flooded with Chinese products, but today, ODOP products have replaced them as preferred gifts. Recalling his visit to Moradabad in 2017, he described how artisans in the brass industry were on the brink of collapse due to multiple challenges.
The government intervened by streamlining the Pollution Control Board, controlling Inspector Raj, and providing necessary facilities. As a result, Moradabad alone now exports brass products worth Rs 16,000–Rs 17,000 crores annually.
CM Yogi also emphasized the transformation of Varanasi, Bhadohi, and Mirzapur, key hubs of India’s carpet industry, by integrating them with global design and market trends. The establishment of Expo Mart further boosted exports, with carpets worth Rs 8,000–Rs 10,000 crores now being shipped worldwide.
Similarly, Firozabad’s glass industry has been revitalized, and every district is witnessing significant industrial growth. He pointed out that in the past, India merely copied foreign products without innovation, which hindered economic progress. However, today, India is embracing its technology and manufacturing expertise, fostering self-reliance and economic resilience.
The Chief Minister stated that Uttar Pradesh has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past eight years, implementing crucial reforms that have improved its perception among investors. The state now boasts a business-friendly environment, enhanced security, and strong governance.
To align with PM Modi’s vision, initiatives like a single-window platform and a land bank have been introduced while monitoring mechanisms have been strengthened at every level. As a result, UP has emerged as a top investment destination, with significant advancements across various sectors, including infrastructure, law enforcement modernization, and industrial growth.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted that five to six jobs have been created in every village across 57,000 Gram Panchayats. From sanitation and banking to computer operations and tube well maintenance, employment opportunities have been provided to local villagers, fostering self-reliance in rural areas.
He noted that 65-70% of India’s population still resides in villages, and urbanization began relatively late. He said, “While Uttar Pradesh was once home to several metropolitan hubs, a lack of timely infrastructure development led to stagnation. However, today, UP’s cities are rapidly expanding, embracing modernization, and setting new benchmarks in urban growth. As urbanization accelerated, the government doubled its efforts to enhance essential facilities, implementing several strategic initiatives to support this transformation.”
Regarding the Kumbh Mela, CM Yogi pointed out that the event was confined to just 1,000 acres earlier. By 2013, this expanded to 2,000 acres, but in 2024, the area was further increased to a massive 10,000 acres.
He recalled critics initially accused the government of excessive spending, but the investment proved transformative. Rs 7,500 crore was allocated for infrastructure development, leading to 14 new flyovers, six underpasses, over 200 widened roads, new corridors, expanded railway stations, and a modern airport terminal. Additionally, Rs 1,500 crore was earmarked specifically for Kumbh Mela arrangements. Interestingly, the same people who once criticized the event’s scale now question why it wasn’t even larger, contradicting their own stance.
The Chief Minister further highlighted that the railway network in Prayagraj has undergone significant expansion with nine stations upgraded to accommodate increasing footfall. Every day, five to seven lakh passengers arrive in the city by train, demonstrating the event’s immense scale and appeal. He emphasized that honest and timely execution leads to transformative results, and respecting the faith of pilgrims visiting UP’s major spiritual hubs is, in essence, honoring India’s cultural heritage**.
Addressing entrepreneurs, CM Yogi encouraged them to experience the energy and enthusiasm of Ayodhya firsthand. He described how taking a dip in the sacred Saryu River and witnessing Ram lalla is an unforgettable experience.
Similarly, Prayagraj is witnessing anunprecedented influx of devotees, where bathing in the holy Sangam is considered a divine blessing. He urged entrepreneurs to visit Akshayvat Corridor, Lete Hanuman Ji, Saraswati Koop, and Shivalik Park, and suggested planning their next programs after the Mahakumbh.
During the event, young entrepreneur Abhinandan Lodha and several others were present. The Chief Minister also engaged in a Q&A session, addressing various queries from the entrepreneurs.
