Yogi engages with tribal youths, highlights community’s role in protecting nation

Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath engaged with tribal youths from four states during the 16th tribal youth exchange programme at his official residence on Sunday.
Emphasising the country's commitment to preserving tribal culture while pursuing modern development, Yogi urged the students to work towards building a stronger nation.
The programme brought together students from Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, providing them with an opportunity to understand Uttar Pradesh's development model and cultural heritage.
CM Yogi highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives for tribal welfare, including the declaration of Nov 15 as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas' (Tribal Pride Day) in honour of freedom fighter Birsa Munda.
During the interaction, CM Yogi provided a comprehensive overview of Uttar Pradesh, describing it as India's most populous state with 250 million inhabitants. He detailed the state's administrative structure, including its 75 districts, 18 divisions, and various municipal bodies, while emphasising its spiritual significance as home to important religious sites like Kashi Vishwanath Dham and the birthplaces of Lord Ram and Krishna.
"Uttar Pradesh has been the cradle of civilisation and culture from the Vedic era to the present, " said Yogi, adding that the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is expected to attract over 400 million devotees between Jan 13 and Feb 26.
CM emphasised the importance of law and order in development, stating that extremism, terrorism, and civil unrest hinder progress.
"Follow the law and the law will protect you," he advised the young participants, linking this principle to the constitutional values established by Dr BR Ambedkar.
Highlighting the cultural connections between UP and the participating states, Yogi noted that Chhattisgarh is considered Lord Ram's maternal home, while Chitrakoot, situated between UP and Madhya Pradesh, was where Lord Ram spent much of his exile. He also mentioned the religious significance of Jharkhand's Baba Dham and Odisha's Jagannath temple.
Looking towards the future, CM discussed India's economic trajectory, predicting that the country would become the world's third-largest economy within three years. This growth, he suggested, would create numerous opportunities for youth in employment, development, and investment.
The programme also focused on the preservation of tribal culture and traditions.
"The foundation of tradition and folklore must be maintained as we establish new standards of development," Yogi stated, noting that both central and state govts are establishing museums for this purpose. He also celebrated the historic appointment of a tribal woman as the President of the country, viewing it as a milestone in elevating India's pride.
Addressing the tribal youths directly, the CM emphasised the paramount importance of national duty, stating, "If the country is safe, we are all safe."
He praised the tribal community's historical role as warriors dedicated to protecting the nation and its religious heritage, referencing the Ramayana's description of the Dandakaranya region as a centre of tribal culture and civilisation.
The Chief Minister also showcased Uttar Pradesh's administrative capabilities, highlighting how the state maintains order despite its massive population. He instructed officials to show the visiting youth various development projects in Lucknow, including its metro system, airport, and modern infrastructure.
The event was attended by senior officials including principal secretary (home and information) Sanjay Prasad, Union Home Ministry representative Nisha Tiwari, and Nehru Yuva Kendra's State director Mahendra Singh Sisodia.