Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 5 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said that the state has transformed from a "bimaru" state to a growth engine of India's development and has now found a strong identity.
Speaking at a Teacher's Day event, the CM said, "Earlier known as a 'bimaru state, Uttar Pradesh is becoming a growth engine for India's development today...The state, which was struggling to find its identity, has a strong identity today, and people feel pride in it. Who were those people in power 8 years ago who could not do anything for the state?..."
On the progress of education in Uttar Pradesh, CM Yogi stated that these schools, which had previously experienced a high drop-out rate, now have digital smart classrooms and libraries, in addition to improved toilets and drinking water facilities, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"Why did girl students drop out of schools earlier? It was because there were no separate toilets in schools for them. Why did students fall ill? It was because there was no drinking water. Today, there are proper toilets and drinking water facilities in the 1,36,000 schools...Digital and smart classrooms and libraries are being introduced in schools," he added.
Earlier in the day, CM Yogi extended wishes on Teachers' Day and paid tribute to former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, recalling his life's dedication to education.
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan served as the second President of India, holding the office from May 13, 1962, to May 13, 1967. Born on September 5, 1888, in a small town in Andhra Pradesh, Radhakrishnan was a distinguished scholar, philosopher, and statesman whose influence has left a profound mark on India's educational and political landscape.
Radhakrishnan received his education at Christian College, Madras, and went on to serve as a professor in several renowned universities, including the University of Mysore and the University of Calcutta. His philosophical and intellectual pursuits earned him the Spalding Professorship of Eastern Religions and Ethics at the University of Oxford.
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan passed away on April 17, 1975. His birthday, September 5, is celebrated as 'Teacher's Day' in India.