Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various development projects valued at ₹91 crore at Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology in Gorakhpur district.
Addressing the public at the event, CM Yogi reflected on India’s evolving global stature, especially its economic resurgence over the past decade.
Highlighting India’s historical excellence in education and innovation, CM Yogi said, "Earlier, India used to lead and provide guidance in education and technology. We were called the 'Vishwa Guru.'" He emphasized that India’s share in global GDP was significantly high before 1600 AD, and by the 12th century, the country held over half the global GDP, driven by advancements in trade and innovation.
However, he acknowledged the devastating impact of British colonial rule on the Indian economy. "During their reign, Britishers looted India's resources and treated it as a hub of raw materials. They destroyed its economy," he said.
Despite such setbacks, India has demonstrated remarkable resilience, CM Yogi pointed out. "In the past decade, the country has progressed rapidly, emerging as the 11th largest economy globally. Today, it ranks as the fifth-largest economy and is expected to become the third-largest within two years. In the last 10 years, India has made unprecedented progress. You get to witness something new in almost every sector," he added.
CM Adityanath also emphasized India’s journey back to global relevance across sectors, reinforcing its identity as an economic powerhouse.
During his visit, the Chief Minister also interacted with children visiting the Gorakhnath Temple and fed peacocks on the temple premises. Earlier in the day, he held a 'Janata Darshan' at the Gorakhnath Mandir premises, hearing grievances from citizens across the state.
The official handle of the Chief Minister’s office shared the update on X, writing: "Committed to the prosperity and well-being of every individual, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Ji Maharaj today listened to the problems of people from various districts during the 'Janata Darshan' program at the GorakhnathMndr premises."
"Maharaj Ji has instructed the concerned officials to prioritize and swiftly resolve public issues," the post added.
On Sunday, CM Adityanath also inaugurated a grain-based distillery plant worth ₹1,200 crore under the Super Mega Project at the Gorakhpur Industrial Development Authority (GIDA). Speaking at the event, he highlighted the importance of ethanol production, saying, "This is not just a distillery but an ethanol plant." In its first phase, the plant will produce 3.5 lakh litres of ethanol daily, with plans to expand capacity to 5 lakh litres.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the significant rise in ethanol production in India. "Ethanol production has increased from 42 lakh liters to 177 crore liters since Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the production of ethanol from surplus sugarcane," CM Yogi noted.
He further underlined the transformation in GIDA under BJP’s leadership, stating, "It has attracted over ₹15,000 crore in investments, providing a strong push to the region’s industrial growth, reversing a time when no one wanted to set up industries here."