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Time of India
3 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Shri Krishna Janmashtami 2025: Yogi Adityanath announces Rs 30,000 crore plan for Braj region
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Saturday (August 16), unveiled a Rs 30,000 master plan to ensure the all-round development of the Braj region. The announcement was made in Mathura on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami, Lord Krishna's birth anniversary. Yogi Adityanath strives to rejuvenate Braj Yogi Adiyanath visited Mathura on the occasion of Janmashtami and opened up about his masterplan to revitalise the entire Braj region. The plan will highlight the link between pilgrimage sites like Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and Gokul and the Dwapar Yuga in an attempt to revive old memories. 'Our government is committed to respecting the sentiments of revered saints and enriching the Braj region. We are making possible the works which were once considered impossible,' he said. श्रीकृष्ण जन्मोत्सव के पावन अवसर पर श्रीकृष्ण जन्मभूमि एवं लीलाभूमि मथुरा-वृन्दावन के सर्वांगीण विकास को समर्पित विभिन्न परियोजनाओं के लोकार्पण/शिलान्यास हेतु जनपद मथुरा में आयोजित कार्यक्रम में... Yogi Adityanath then went on to highlight the role played by the Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi and the Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya in ensuring the rapid development of these towns Kashi in particular has undergone a massive transformation on this front. There was once a time when not even 50 people could visit the town together. However, now 50,000 devotees can have darshan in one go. Multiple projects launched on Shri Krishna Janmashtami 2025 On the special occasion, Yogi Adityanath also laid the foundation stone of 118 development projects worth Rs 646 crore for the Mathura-Vrindavan region. This includes the inauguration of 80 projects worth about Rs 273 crore. It also covers the foundation laying of 38 projects worth Rs 373 crores. Through them, the government is set to ensure the beautification of Parikrama paths. It will also pave the way for environmental protection, water conservation, and better connectivity. He also thanked saints and public representatives for their cooperation, which made the approval of these projects possible. Additionally, Yogi Adityanath said that India's spiritual heritage is one of its biggest assets as It offers a path to spiritual harmony at a time when there is a global crisis.


The Print
2 days ago
- Business
- The Print
Heritage conservation campaign writing new chapter of development in UP: Adityanath
The footfall of 66 crore devotees for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj earlier this year set a world record, besides the transformation of many religious sites, including the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Ayodhya Dham, Braj Tirtha Vikas Parishad, and Vindhyavasini Dham, he said. Taking part in the 24-hour discussion on 'Vision-2047' in the Assembly, Adityanath reiterated his government's commitment to development of tourism, especially the religious sites, while counting department-wise achievements. Lucknow, Aug 14 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said the heritage conservation campaign in the state is writing a new chapter of development and livelihood. He said the development of the Ramayana, Krishna, Buddhist and Shakti circuits will promote religious tourism, while the facility of a heliport at Kapilvastu and efforts to return the ashes of Lord Buddha are also strengthening the international identity of the state. Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey had requested to bring the ashes of Lord Buddha to the state, claiming that dollar will come to Uttar Pradesh from Buddhist tourists, and not from Kashi and Mathura. Adityanath said, 'Recently, an urn containing the ashes of Lord Buddha was put up for auction in Hong Kong, which was stopped due to the intervention of the prime minister. Now it will be brought to India and installed in Kapilvastu.' 'Along with this, new sectors like Jain circuit, wildlife circuit, connection with Nepal and heritage tourism are being prepared in Bundelkhand-Vindhya,' he added. The chief minister said that holy places such as the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi, Mathura Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, Shri Banke Bihari Dham, Maa Vindhyavasini Dham, Chitrakoot, Naimisharanya, Shakumbhari Dham, Devipatan Dham, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Lumbini, Kapilvastu, Shravasti, Kaushambi and the Sonbhadra Dham are attracting not only religious devotees, but also common tourists. Tourism related to these places has become the basis of employment for taxi drivers, hawkers, flower-leaf sellers, sweet shops, barbers and hotel operators, he said. 'In this way, this campaign of heritage conservation in Uttar Pradesh is writing a new chapter of development and livelihood,' Adityanath said. He also said that the grip on poverty in the state has tightened with 6 crore people rising above the poverty line. Discussing the government schemes, he said that pension, foodgrains, gas connection and financial inclusion have changed the lives of crores of people in Uttar Pradesh. PTI AR CDN ARI This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.


Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Tourism and Heritage Projects Boost Jobs, Economy in Uttar Pradesh: CM
Tourism and heritage conservation are emerging as major drivers of employment and economic growth in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath told the Legislative Assembly while presenting the state's Vision 2047 document. He said the state's share in national tourism has risen from 13.1% in 2016 to nearly 20% in 2024. The Chief Minister cited large-scale events and development projects as key factors behind the surge in visitors. The Maha Kumbh drew a record 66 crore devotees, while projects such as Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Ayodhya Dham, Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad, and Vindhyavasini Dham have undergone major transformations. Work is also progressing on the Ramayana, Krishna, Buddhist, Shakti, and Jain tourism circuits, as well as new heritage initiatives in Bundelkhand and Vindhya regions. Kapilvastu has been equipped with a heliport to improve access, and efforts are underway to bring back relics of Lord Buddha to India. A recent auction of a Buddha relic in Hong Kong was halted following intervention at the central level, with plans to enshrine the relic in Kapilvastu to strengthen the state's international Buddhist identity. Yogi noted that sacred and cultural sites such as Mathura, Chitrakoot, Naimisharanya, Shakumbhari Dham, Kushinagar, Sarnath, Lumbini, and Shravasti now attract both pilgrims and general tourists. This tourism growth, he said, is supporting livelihoods for taxi drivers, hawkers, hotel operators, sweet shop owners, flower sellers, and other small businesses. According to the Chief Minister, the focus on heritage conservation has shifted from preservation alone to becoming a catalyst for sustainable development. 'Tourism is no longer limited to maintaining monuments — it is creating jobs and boosting economic activity across sectors,' he told the House. The initiatives are part of Uttar Pradesh's long-term plan to position itself as a cultural and religious tourism hub, while strengthening infrastructure and connectivity with Nepal and other regional destinations.


Indian Express
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
From reviving religious places to Op Sindoor, govt has been drawing inspiration from Ahilyabai Holkar's life: Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that his 'double-engine' government has been drawing inspiration from 18th-century Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar and linked her legacy to the grand revival of spiritual centres like Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, among others. He also said India's strong reply to Pakistan through Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack was inspired by the principles of self-defence espoused by the Maratha ruler. Speaking at an event in Agra held under the ongoing 'Punyashlok Lokmata Janma Trishatabdi Varsh Smriti Abhiyan – 2025', the chief minister said: 'During the Mughal period, when foreign invaders destroyed and corrupted the symbols of India's identity and faith, especially the temples, Devi Ahilyabai did the great work of their revival two and a half centuries ago.' 'She renovated many religious places, including Puri's Jagannath Temple, Gaya Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kedarnath Dham, Mahakal Temple, Omkareshwar Temple, Somnath Temple, Bhimashankar Temple, and Rameswaram Temple with her personal funds instead of using state assets… She lived for only 70 years, but her personality remains a beacon of inspiration,' Adityanath said. Adityanath started his speech by addressing Agra as 'Brajbhoomi' and described it as a historical land that was graced by Lord Krishna's presence. Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, his wife Sudesh Dhankhar, and Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya also attended the event, organised by Union Minister SP Singh Baghel. Stating that Ahilyabai Holkar's contributions to women, artisans, farmers, youth, security, and India's cultural heritage remain unforgettable and commendable, he said the double-engine government' key welfare schemes, such as Lakhpati Didi, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Matru Vandana Yojana, and the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign draw inspiration from Lokmata's life. He added that Ahilyabai Holkar had empowered the Malwa kingdom with self-defence capabilities—an approach that resonates in India's modern military actions. 'Today, our armed forces strike back with strength, as seen in surgical and air strikes against terrorism. When Pakistan supports terrorists, India responds across the border. Our air force even destroyed their air defense system—this resolve draws inspiration from Lokmata's visionary legacy,' he said. 'When under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the brave Indian jawans destroyed the air defence system of Pakistan through Operation Sindoor… compelled the enemy to bow, it was inspired by the actions and principles of self-defence that the Lokmata espoused during her reign,' Adityanath said, adding that no force can stop a society inspired by its national heroes, and cited Ahilyabai Holkar's life as a shining example. The chief minister also announced that a medical college in Auraiya has been named after Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar. Hitting out at the previous Samajwadi Party government, Adityanath said: 'In the past, some people used to change the name of the degree college built in her (Holkar's) name, but we are honouring her legacy. Today, the double-engine government has named the medical college in Auraiya after Lokmata.


India.com
29-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani son Akash Ambani visits Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi, donates....
Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani son Akash Ambani visits Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi, donates.... Akash Ambani, the eldest son of business tycoon Mukesh Ambani and Chairman of Reliance Jio, on Wednesday visited the holy city of Varanasi. During his visit, he offered prayers at the famous Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and participated in the grand Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat. As soon as Akash arrived at the Kashi Vishwanath temple, he first bowed to the temple's towering spire. He then entered the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) and spent around 10 minutes in deep prayer. He performed jalabhishek (offering water) and dugdhabhishek (offering milk) on the Shivling. The temple priests guided him through a dedicated worship ceremony. The temple priests guided him through a traditional Shodashopachara ritual, a sixteen-step worship process. He prayed with full devotion and received blessings from Lord Shiva. After the puja, he bowed respectfully to the temple's main spire and also visited several other small shrines within the temple complex. As a token of appreciation, the temple authorities gifted him a Rudraksha mala and prasadam (holy offering). Speaking to the temple staff, Akash expressed his deep spiritual experience, saying, 'Coming to Kashi, I felt a strong sense of spiritual energy.' He also mentioned that the recent wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant was completed smoothly with the blessings of Baba Vishwanath. According to media reports, Akash donated more than Rs. 1 crore to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust. Present during his visit were temple CEO Vishwabhushan Mishra, SDM Shambhu Sharan, and several priests. After visiting the temple, Akash went to Dashashwamedh Ghat, where he took part in the sacred Ganga Aarti. Before the Aarti, priests performed a traditional Vedic ritual to worship River Ganga. The members of Ganga Seva Nidhi, including president Sushant Mishra, treasurer Ashish Tiwari, and secretary Hanuman Yadav, welcomed him with an angavastram (a traditional shawl), prasadam, and a memento. They also invited him to return with his entire family. To end the evening, Akash enjoyed a peaceful boat ride on the Ganga, taking in the spiritual atmosphere of the ancient city. About Akash Ambani Akash Ambani is the eldest son of India's top industrialist Mukesh Ambani. According to Jio Institute, he serves as the Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited. He is also a board member of Reliance Retail Ventures Limited. A passionate sports enthusiast, Akash is the co-owner of the IPL team Mumbai Indians, one of the league's most successful franchises.