Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 9 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday praised Vidya Bharati for its efforts to instil a sense of originality and ideals in the tradition and culture of India within the country.

Speaking at the 36th Regional Sports Festival-2025 in Jhansi, CM Yogi praising Vidya Bharati said, 'Vidya Bharti is working to create a sense of originality and ideals towards the tradition and culture of India within this country. It is your good fortune that you are getting an opportunity to study in institutions run by Vidya Bharati, which is dedicated to India and constantly striving to spread awareness about our traditions and values without any discrimination.'

The Chief Minister also stated that the School Games Federation of India recognised Vidya Bharti as a unit in 2006, enabling its students to participate in national-level competitions. 'In 2006, the School Games Federation of India gave recognition to Vidhya Bharti as a unit that gave it the opportunity to participate in the national games,' CM Yogi said.

CM Yogi further emphasised the importance of faith and respect in nation-building. CM Yogi said, 'A person who does not have a sense of faith and respect in their heart can never truly understand India, nor can they contribute to building a strong system.'

'In 1952, the Shishu Mandir was established in Gorakhpur, and today, institutions like it exist all across the country. It feels wonderful to witness the programmes organised by Vidya Bharati. By recognising Vidya Bharati as a unit and giving them the opportunity to participate, the children have earned awards,' he added.

CM Yogi expressed pride in seeing the achievements of Vidya Bharati's students, who have not only earned awards in national events but also represented India internationally in the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and the Olympics.

Moreover, he also highlighted India's legacy in hockey, recalling that under Major Dhyan Chand's leadership, India clinched two Olympic gold medals. 'This is the same land that produced the 'Magician of Hockey.' Under Major Dhyan Chand's leadership, India won two gold medals. The highest award in sports is named after him. A sports university will soon be established in Meerut. Sports competitions are essential because they contribute to the goal of building a Developed India,' he added.

Paying tribute to Jhansi's historic legacy, CM Yogi described the city as 'the land of Rani Lakshmibai, who, at just 23, sacrificed her life for the nation.'

Reflecting on Uttar Pradesh's transformation, CM Yogi said that before 2017, the state was known as a 'sick' (Bimaru) state suffering from an identity crisis.

India will only develop when Uttar Pradesh develops. Before 2017, Uttar Pradesh was considered a 'sick' (Bimaru) state as it faced an identity crisis. 'India will only develop when Uttar Pradesh develops. Before 2017, Uttar Pradesh was considered a 'sick' state; it faced an identity crisis. Regardless of the district from which a person came, whenever they went outside the state, they faced a sense of disrespect because previous governments had weakened UP. Deals were being made by the mafia, which led to this crisis of identity.'

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, CM Yogi added, 'But today, that is no longer the case...India will soon become the number one economy. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several programs have been launched to promote sports, including Khelo India.'

Highlighting the government's initiatives to promote sports, CM Yogi announced that every district should have a stadium and an open gym to encourage athletic participation. He also mentioned that 500 players have been given direct government jobs based on their medal performance.

'Olympic winners now receive Rs 6 crore in prize money, while Asian Games winners are awarded between Rs 75,000 and Rs 3 lakh, according to their performance. Additionally, the state honours athletes with the Laxman Award and Rani Lakshmibai Award for women sportspersons,' he said.

Concluding his address, CM Yogi extended his gratitude to the participants and teachers from across eastern Uttar Pradesh. 'It is an honour to attend this ceremony in the brave land of Rani Lakshmibai. I congratulate all athletes, teachers, and students and convey my best wishes to all,' he said. (ANI)