Kanpur, Mar 23 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that the government is committed to honouring and preserving the legacy of great leaders while making it clear that those who disrespect them have no place in society.
Addressing the Bithoor Mahotsav in Kanpur, dedicated to the valiant warrior Nanaji Rao Peshwa, the CM said, "Those who attacked India's faith, trampled upon Sanatan culture, disrespected our sisters and daughters, and harboured hatred for India and its identity, those who came as invaders to crush the nation's beliefs can never be considered ideals for India."
At the event, under Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan, Rs 5.42 crore in loans were disbursed to 1,302 entrepreneurs from Kanpur. Besides, 329 Anganwadi workers received appointment letters, and Rs 6.35 crore in financial assistance was provided to 127 beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Krishak Durghatna Kalyan Yojana.
Yogi visited the exhibition and unveiled the books 'Hum Karen Rashtra Aradhana' by poet Sahir Yogesh and 'Ran Dhurandhar Nana Sahib Peshwa' by Mohan Ji. He also welcomed visitors from Maharashtra who had come to Bithoor to celebrate Nana Rao Peshwa's birth anniversary.
He said that those who consider invaders as role models should reflect on the statement made by the President of Indonesia during the Republic Day parade. He recalled the President's words, 'If our DNA is ever tested, it will be found to be Indian'.
The CM said that Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country, acknowledges its deep-rooted Indian heritage. "This statement should serve as an eye-opener for those in India who admire foreign invaders," he said.
He expressed hope that after hearing this, people would show respect for great revolutionaries like Chhatrapati Shivaji, Maharana Pratap, and Guru Gobind Singh and contribute to building an 'Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat'.
Paying tribute to Nana Rao Peshwa on his birth anniversary, Yogi highlighted Bithoor's historical and spiritual significance. He said that Bithoor has been a symbol of India's cultural heritage since ancient times.
He said, "It was here that Lord Brahma is believed to have meditated while creating the universe and Maharishi Valmiki provided shelter and guidance to Lord Ram's sons, Luv and Kush. The city, nestled along the sacred Ganga, is considered the soul of Kanpur."
The CM reminded the gathering of Bithoor's crucial role in India’s first war of independence in 1857. "Nana Rao Peshwa strategized the revolt from this very land. Rani Lakshmibai honed her skills in archery, horse riding, and warfare here. The town became a hub of revolutionary inspiration, with legendary figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji, Tatya Tope, and Nana Rao Peshwa leaving an indelible mark on India’s history. Even today, Bithoor stands as a symbol of valor and sacrifice," he said.
He said that the day also marks the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru, who laid down their lives for India’s freedom. He honoured their legacy and said that their ultimate goal was to liberate the country from colonial rule.
He also paid tribute to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia on his birth anniversary, recognising his contributions to India's socio-political movement.
Yogi highlighted the grand success of the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, where over 66 crore devotees participated. He credited the effective arrangements made by the double-engine government under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
However, he said that this achievement wouldn't have been possible without a clean and free-flowing Ganga.
He said that before 2019, nearly 4 crore litres of sewage from Sisamau used to flow into the Ganga daily. "Today, that same site has transformed into a selfie point due to the success of the Namami Gange project," he said.
Expressing gratitude to PM Modi, the CM said that the river, once heavily polluted despite earlier action plans, has been revived under his leadership. "The project has restored aquatic life, including dolphins, proving its effectiveness. The Maha Kumbh's success is a testament to the success of Namami Gange and PM Modi's 2014 vision for a clean and sacred Ganga," he said.
He reflected on Kanpur’s lost industrial glory, once known as the Manchester of India for its thriving textile industry. He criticised past governments and said that leaders who harboured hatred towards India and its heritage systematically destroyed Kanpur's industrial strength.
Yogi said, "Industries were shut down, unemployment soared and a city once among India's top four urban centers was left in decline. Poor governance led to polluted rivers, closed airports, and halted industries, leaving the region in despair."
He said, "While British rule is history, its ideological successors continue to exploit our nation."
Highlighting Kanpur's transformation over the past decade, the CM said that the city is rapidly evolving into an industrial and textile hub. "To boost manufacturing, the government is developing a Manufacturing Corridor and Flatted Factory complex and within the next few months Kanpur will re-emerge as a major center for ready-made garments," he said.
He said that the city is witnessing major connectivity upgrades, with restored air links and the introduction of Vande Bharat Express trains connecting Kanpur to Delhi and other key cities. "Infrastructure projects such as the Outer Ring Road, Greenfield Expressway (between Lucknow and Kanpur) and Ganga Expressway will significantly reduce travel time between western and eastern UP," he said.
Yogi said, "Kanpur is no longer a neglected or declining city but is now integrating into India's growth story as a thriving metropolis."
He mentioned that the first phase of the Kanpur Metro was completed in 2021 and within a few months, the second phase will be inaugurated. "With the metro, smart city projects, and industrial revival, Kanpur is redefining itself as a hub of development and technology. The presence of IIT Kanpur is further fueling innovation, making the city a key centre for new technological advancements," he said.
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