Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated on Monday that while Artificial Intelligence can answer questions and simplify tasks, it is good books that teach one how to ask the right questions. He advised using technology without becoming entirely dependent on it, urging everyone to read good books and newspapers and to maintain a curiosity to learn new things.
CM Yogi was addressing the ‘Bal Mela’ (Children’s Fair) awards ceremony organised by a media house at the Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology. He honoured approximately 70 student winners of various competitions—including science model making, painting, and essay writing—by presenting them with medals. Around 500 students participated in the event.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked that nine and a half years ago, Uttar Pradesh had a tarnished reputation; the mere mention of the state would cause alarm, and the youth faced an identity crisis. There were over two lakh (200,000) vacancies in the UP Police alone. After his government took office, the recruitment process was made transparent, and training capacities were expanded. He noted that over 9.5 lakh (950,000) youths have been provided government jobs across various departments during this period, with more than 2.30 lakh recruitments in the UP Police alone—a process whose transparency remains unquestionable.
He recalled that prior to 2017, riots occurred every other day, and curfews lasted for months. Today, Uttar Pradesh is a safe state, free from curfews, riots, and civil unrest. The potential existed earlier, but the willpower to act was missing; today, with concerted efforts, tangible results are evident. He mentioned that while Uttar Pradesh was once counted among the country’s backward states, it now ranks among the top three economies. The state’s economy and per capita income have tripled.
CM Yogi highlighted that before 2017, there were only 120 startups in the state; today, that number exceeds 24,000. The youth of UP are no longer merely job seekers but are becoming job creators for others through startups. Highlighting the terracotta of Gorakhpur, he noted that the ‘One District One Product’ scheme has provided artisans with access to markets. More than 2,400 exhibitors are participating in the UP International Trade Show, and over 650 foreign buyers from 90 countries have arrived.
He stated that the government is also supporting youths pursuing careers in sports. Athletes from the state who win Olympic gold medals are awarded six crore rupees and a government job. So far, 550 athletes have been given government jobs, and more than 500 additional athletes will receive employment next week. Citing the examples of hockey players Lalit Upadhyay and Rajkumar Pal, he mentioned that both were directly appointed as Deputy Superintendents of Police after winning medals.
Chief Minister Yogi urged parents not to place undue pressure on children regarding marks. He advised them to pursue marks only to the extent that it brings mental satisfaction; the pressure should not be so intense that it affects a child’s play, sleep, or diet. He emphasised the importance of having newspapers available in schools and colleges, noting that reading Hindi and English newspapers helps improve language and grammar while offering opportunities to learn new things.
Citing the example of former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam—who aspired to be an Air Force fighter pilot but did not succeed—he noted that Kalam did not lose heart; instead, he went on to become the ‘Missile Man’ and the President of the country. Quoting poet Sohanlal Dwivedi’s famous lines—”Those who try never fail”—he encouraged children to persist in their efforts. The Chief Minister also asked children to learn about their city’s heritage. Mentioning landmarks such as the Gorakhnath Temple, Gita Press, the railway station, the airport, and Ramgarh Tal, he encouraged children to understand the history and functioning of these places.
CM Yogi observed that girls make up a significant portion of the children receiving honours. He remarked that if given the opportunity, girls can achieve anything through the strength of their talent. He also asked MP Ravi Kishan to take the children to the film shooting location and show them the filmmaking process. MP Ravi Kishan stated that children who have done something unique were selected for this honour. In Gorakhpur, all kinds of facilities are available to help children move forward.
