Lucknow, Mar 11 (UNI) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said Prayagraj, once dominated by the mafia and criminals, has evolved into a model city in recent years while highlighting the transformative impact of Maha Kumbh on the city.
During a conclave held at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow, the CM said that Prayagraj has undergone complete transformation with major development projects giving the historic city a modern identity. He also attributed this change to the linking of faith and economy through Maha Kumbh.
Meanwhile, he felicitated sanitation workers, showering them with flowers at the event. Calling them the foundation of cleanliness, he said, “They have successfully brought the message of a Swachh Kumbh to life.”
Yogi lauded the first public event felicitating sanitation workers, calling it a truly commendable initiative. He emphasised the crucial role of sanitation workers in making the Maha Kumbh a grand and divine success.
He said, “After any work is completed, people often move on, thinking about the next task. While everyone lives in a building, the foundation stones are forgotten. But the sanitation workers who strengthened the foundation of Maha Kumbh deserve recognition. Their efforts made this event possible and this programme to honour them is truly heartwarming.”
Highlighting the power of collective effort, the CM said, “Any event reaches great heights only when people come together with a shared vision. When we view collective efforts positively, they become an inspiration for society. This is exactly what happened in Prayagraj.”
He shared how people from countries like the US, Australia, Canada and the UK called, expressing their desire to bring their elderly parents to the Kumbh for a holy dip. He emphasised the importance of cleanliness and security.
He said, “Everyone who attended Mahakumbh appreciated the sanitation and security personnel. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a vision that our events should provide inner satisfaction to people, because cleanliness is the first measure of inner peace and behaviour is the second.”
Yogi pointed towards the historic success of Maha Kumbh, highlighting the unwavering faith of devotees. He said that over 66.30 crore pilgrims visited in just 45 days and shared statistics of the crowd turnout on each holy bath.
Criticising misinformation and negative narratives, he said, “The more people spread rumours and negativity, the more devotees flocked to Prayagraj with even greater determination.”
The CM narrated an incident where a YouTuber tried to highlight the difficulties faced by devotees but was met with a resolute response. “A YouTuber asked a devotee from Karnataka how far he had walked and he replied, ‘five kilometres’. The YouTuber then informed him that he had another five kilometres to go. The devotee responded, ‘Even if I have to walk 50 km, I will’,” he said.
He said, “When the YouTuber suggested that the government should have arranged better facilities, the devotee replied, ‘I am walking, so why is it bothering you? Reaching God’s abode on foot is a form of devotion for me’.”
Yogi mentioned that Sanatan Dharma is rooted in gratitude and every visitor considered Maha Kumbh as their own event, rather than just a government-organised festival. “This was the largest human gathering in history, sending a powerful message to the world. It demonstrated that such massive events can be successfully managed, that faith can be linked to livelihoods and that millions of lives can be transformed,” he said.
He recalled his visit to Prayagraj on February 27, after the completion of the event. “Along with both Deputy CMs, I led a cleanliness drive as a gesture of gratitude to Maa Ganga. We performed a ritual in her honour, acknowledging that her blessings made this grand event possible. Sanitation workers were honoured, shared a meal with us and we pledged to improve their wages. Their revised minimum salary will take effect in April and a bonus has also been announced,” he said.
The CM urged sanitation and contract workers to ensure their children receive proper education. “Send your children to school. If you have any bad habits, don’t let them pass on to your kids. Educate them well and work with dedication,” he said.
