LUCKNOW, AUGUST 15: Independence must mean complete liberation from backwardness, poverty, illiteracy, and anarchy, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared after hoisting the national flag at his official residence, 5 Kalidas Marg, in Lucknow. Addressing the state on the 80th Independence Day, the Chief Minister extended greetings to the public while honoring revolutionaries, freedom fighters, and armed forces personnel who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
The address linked historical independence struggles to modern governance goals, emphasizing that preserving freedom requires active duty and civic participation from every citizen across the state and country.
“Independence does not mean only political freedom. It also means complete liberation from the anarchy, backwardness, poverty, illiteracy, and inequality that continuously weakened the country,” Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asserted. “If we want to preserve freedom for a long time, it cannot be the responsibility of one individual, caste, or community alone. All 140 crore Indians must contribute equally in their respective fields.”
Reflecting on India’s historical journey, he recalled key milestones including the First War of Independence in 1857, noting the roles played by Mangal Pandey, Rani Lakshmibai, and Dhansingh Kotwal, alongside regional resistance led by Maharana Pratap, Guru Gobind Singh, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He also paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Turning to developmental achievements over the past eight decades, the Chief Minister noted that targeted welfare policies have lifted 25 crore people out of multidimensional poverty across the nation, expanding health, education, and modern infrastructure.
“Many of the problems of anarchy, illiteracy, backwardness, and inequality that existed before the country in 1947 have been resolved over the past eight decades,” Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated. He added that governance benefits now reach every section of society through direct transfers, expanding medical colleges, advanced rail networks like Vande Bharat, and modern technology platforms for youth.
The Chief Minister also honored police personnel recognized for gallantry, expressing special tribute to Inspector Sunil Kumar of the Uttar Pradesh Police, who was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra for his sacrifice in maintaining law and order. He maintained that continuing zero-tolerance policies against crime and focusing on public service will guide the nation toward the vision of a self-reliant India.
