Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, emphasizing the practice of yoga, said it inspires harmony between the body, mind, intellect and soul.
He further said, “A healthy body leads to a healthy mind, a healthy mind leads to a healthy intellect, a healthy intellect leads to a healthy soul, and a healthy soul paves the way for public welfare.”
In a sharp attack on the Opposition, he said, “Those who indulge in illegal encroachments and spread negativity with a negative mindset have tainted souls and polluted minds. Such people, operating with a diseased mentality, ruined the state and brought disrepute to Bundelkhand.”
On the occasion, CM Yogi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 88 development projects worth over ₹697 crore in Modi Gram. A short film dedicated to the development of Mahoba was also screened on the occasion.
He told a gathering, “All of you participated in the International Yoga Day programme this morning. India’s heritage has received global recognition. The 12th International Yoga Day was celebrated with grandeur under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I also had the opportunity to participate in the event held at the grounds of Rani Lakshmibai Fort in Jhansi.”
He pointed out that programmes were organized across 57,000 Gram Panchayats, 825 development blocks, 350 tehsils, 75 districts, 762 urban local bodies, as well as at Amrit Sarovars, Gram Secretariats, development blocks, urban local bodies and district headquarters across the state.
The chief minister highlighted the spirituality, historical significance and valour associated with Mahoba, Guru Gorakhnath’s place of penance. He remarked, “After 12-13 years, I was able to reach the top of Gorakhgiri Mountain. I offered prayers to Lord Shiva there and then visited the cave and temple, the place of penance of Baba Gorakhnath.”
He observed that Gorakhgiri has emerged as a new centre of tourism. The CM congratulated MLA Rakesh Goswami, former MP Pushpendra Chandel, local office-bearers and party workers for their initiative, cooperation and contribution.
He said a ropeway would be installed at Gorakhgiri and the site would be developed as a centre for adventure tourism. He emphasized organizing competitions at local, district, Bundelkhand, state and national levels for a week before the Mahoba Mahotsav to promote trekking on the hill.
CM Yogi also stressed expanding possibilities for opening restaurants, hotels and other facilities in the area. He said, “Akharas symbolizing the courage and valour of Alha and Udal should be established to inspire the youth once again with a spirit of bravery.”
The CM stated, “Mahoba is a land of energy. Mahoba was once famous for its festivals. The granite stone extracted here is not used merely for making tiles or houses; this land contributes to the nation’s development. This land not only produces brave men and women but also nurtures active participation in nation-building. The Chandela kings promoted public welfare on this land by digging ponds for water conservation. Our government has secured global recognition for Mahoba’s Dashavari Paan through geo-tagging. The influence of this soil is such that the taste of the paan grown here cannot be found anywhere else.”
The Chief Minister pointed out, “The Arjun Sahayak Project, conceived decades ago, could not be completed. Our government took it up in mission mode and completed it. In 2021, we invited Prime Minister Modi for the inauguration of the project.”
He stated that the project has provided irrigation facilities to thousands of hectares of land in Mahoba and Banda. Farmers received due recognition, land values increased, and the annadatas have become prosperous.
CM Yogi remarked that when he first visited Bundelkhand after becoming Chief Minister, he was astonished by the condition of connectivity, mining, forests and the dominance of land mafias. He said, “The women here spent their lives carrying earthen pots, but we implemented the Har Ghar Jal Yojana for our sisters, daughters and mothers.”
He stressed the importance of water conservation, saying, “The Chandela kings built ponds for conserving water and urged people to ensure that not even a single drop of water is wasted.”
He also emphasized preparing ponds from the perspective of water conservation.