By Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25-year public journey as an example of sustained service, determination and hard work, saying his leadership has contributed to what he called the making of a “New India.” Yogi made the remarks in Varanasi at the launch of the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan and Seva Sankalp Bike Yatra, organised on Modi’s 76th birthday.
The event was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister Chirag Paswan and other leaders. Yogi used the occasion to highlight government welfare schemes, infrastructure expansion, India’s emerging technology sectors and the role of young people in the country’s development journey.
Yogi Highlights Welfare Schemes Under Modi
Speaking about changes in the lives of the poor, Yogi cited several central government programmes. He said around four crore people have received houses, while the construction of approximately 12 crore toilets has improved sanitation and, in his words, strengthened the dignity of women.
He also referred to the Ujjwala Yojana, under which cooking gas connections have been provided to millions of families, and Ayushman Bharat, which provides eligible beneficiaries with health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh annually.
Yogi said these initiatives had helped bring more people into the mainstream of development and improve access to basic services.
From Gujarat to the Prime Minister’s Office
Recalling Modi’s political journey, Yogi noted that he became Gujarat chief minister on October 7, 2001, and said he had continued his public service without compromising on his stated commitment to work.
Referring to the Sanskrit phrase “Charaiveti-Charaiveti”, meaning to keep moving forward, Yogi described Modi’s journey as one marked by hard work and dedication.
He said the country had gained confidence on the global stage and described India under Modi’s leadership as a more secure nation that was engaging with the world with greater confidence.
Yogi also extended his wishes for Modi’s health, longevity and continued service to the country.
500 Youths to Ride From Varanasi to Vadnagar
The Seva Sankalp Bike Yatra is being organised as a 20-day journey from Varanasi to Vadnagar in Gujarat, which is Modi’s hometown.
Yogi said 500 young participants riding 250 motorcycles would undertake the journey through different routes. The participants will carry sacred water collected from major rivers of Uttar Pradesh to Vadnagar, where it will be offered at the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple.
In the reciprocal part of the initiative, participants travelling from Vadnagar will carry water from Gujarat to Varanasi for an offering at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
The rally began amid a shower of flower petals, while a short film showcasing various developments and changes in the country during Modi’s tenure was also screened at the event.
Yogi praised the young riders for taking part in the expedition, noting that they would cover around 100 kilometres each day.
Jobs, Digital Connectivity and Start-ups
Yogi said the country’s development over the past 25 years had also been reflected in rural connectivity and employment opportunities.
He pointed to the expansion of electricity, internet and banking services in villages, saying areas that had struggled with basic electricity access for decades were now connected to more reliable power supplies.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the growth of India’s start-up ecosystem. He said a growing number of young people were increasingly thinking about creating employment rather than simply looking for jobs.
According to Yogi, government initiatives have also helped artisans and traditional businesses revive their economic prospects. He cited programmes such as Stand-Up India and Digital India while discussing the wider changes in entrepreneurship and access to technology.
Free Foodgrains and Expanding Infrastructure
Yogi also referred to the government’s food-support programme, saying around 80 crore people have continued to receive free rations since the COVID-19 period.
He pointed to improvements in road, rail and air connectivity, as well as the expansion of metro networks, as other examples of infrastructure development.
The Chief Minister also highlighted India’s progress in the semiconductor sector, saying several semiconductor units had been established and production had begun.
He said the country was also advancing in emerging fields including quantum computing, artificial intelligence, drones and robotics.
Yatra Linked to National Unity and Development
Concluding his remarks, Yogi said the bike expedition represented the participation of young people in the country’s development story. He expressed confidence that the campaign would create a lasting impact while promoting themes associated with “Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat,” “Heritage and Development,” and “Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas.”
The Seva Sankalp Abhiyan and bike yatra thus combine a public outreach campaign with a youth-led journey connecting Varanasi and Vadnagar, while the organisers seek to highlight the broader themes of national unity, development and public service.
