Yogi: Honouring India’s culture, traditions fosters unity & growth

Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said here on Monday that honouring India’s culture and traditions fosters both unity and economic growth, stressing that the economic aspect of the Maha Kumbh 2025 was as important as its religious significance.
Speaking at a ‘Dialogue with Young Entrepreneurs’, organized by Yuva Bharat Sanstha, the CM 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.
Citing an example, he said, “Weeks before the Maha Kumbh, an entrepreneur came up with the idea to develop a model of the 12 jyotirlingas. In the arrangement, the Prayagraj Nagar Nigam provided land while the input cost was borne by the investor on the condition that the profit would be shared on a 50-50 ratio by them.”
“The company recovered its input cost in about three weeks from the date of inauguration and is now earning profits which are also going to the municipal corporation. As entrepreneurs, can you think of any business model or scheme in which one can earn profits within 21 days? This is possible only in the case of spiritual tourism. This is just an example. Mahakumbh is full of case studies that have contributed to the state’s economy as well,” the CM said.
Targeting those opposed to the expenditure on the Maha Kumbh, he asked: “If an investment of Rs 7,500 crore by the central and state govts can generate economic activity worth Rs 3-3.5 lakh crore, isn’t it a wise investment?”
Recalling the opposition to developmental projects in the past 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 impact is clear — Rs 700 crore in donations was received for the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in just one year,” he remarked.
“This is a testament to India’s spiritual and economic strength. Even Ayodhya is an example. In 2016-17, when there was no BJP govt in Uttar Pradesh, the number of devotees visiting Ayodhya was a mere 2.35 lakh. The numbers went up significantly after the 500-year wait ended with the grand consecration of Ram Lalla. In 2024, this number has crossed the 14 crore-mark. This remarkable transformation is due to the collective devotion and support of the people,” he said.
Speaking on Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the CM 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 became 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 CM 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.
The CM told the young entrepreneurs that meticulous planning by the central and state govts ensured 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 organised at an unprecedented scale, reaffirming India’s spiritual and cultural strength on a global platform,” he said, directing them to sense economic opportunities in their favour during their tour.
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 CM 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 stated that there was a time when foreign goods dominated Indian markets. However, inspired by the PM’s vision, the One District, One Product (ODOP) scheme was launched in 2018 to revive and promote Uttar Pradesh’s traditional MSME sector. 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 crore 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 crore now being shipped worldwide.
Addressing entrepreneurs, the CM 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.
During the event, young entrepreneur Abhinandan Lodha and several others were present. The CM also engaged in a question-answer session, addressing various queries from the entrepreneurs.