Gorakhpur: Calling UPITS-2026 a reflection of Uttar Pradesh ’s rising economic and cultural footprint, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that products made across the state, from Gorakhpur’s iconic terracotta to a range of ODOP offerings, were captivating visitors at the Greater Noida trade show.
He said over 1.5 lakh people visited the trade show on Sunday, and a large number of visitors turned up on Monday as well. Buyers from 90 countries have also reached the five-day event, he said, adding that artisans had witnessed a significant rise in sales and income. Addressing a Bal Mela felicitation ceremony organised by a media group at Digvijaynath PG College, Yogi said Uttar Pradesh had the potential even before 2017, but the leadership then lacked the will to harness it.
As a result, the state had acquired the image of a BIMARU and backward state.
Over the past nine-and-a-half years, he said, sustained efforts by the govt had helped UP shed that image and emerge as a growth engine of India’s economy.
In the past nine-and-a-half years, 9.5 lakh youths had been provided govt jobs through a transparent recruitment process, including 2.3 lakh in the police force. The number of startups had also risen from just 130 before 2017 to more than 24,000, he said. So far, 550 sportspersons had been given government jobs, while direct recruitment for another 500 would begin next week.
Yogi said the govt had undertaken reforms in every sector, including recruitment. He said the state’s economy and per capita income had tripled during this period. Urging students not to fear failure, Yogi recited poet Sohanlal Dwivedi’s famous lines, “Koshish karne walon ki kabhi haar nahi hoti” (those who keep trying never lose). Citing former President APJ Abdul Kalam, he said Kalam had aspired to become a fighter pilot but, despite failing to achieve that dream, went on to become India’s “Missile Man” and later the President. Yogi said the govt was providing cash awards and government jobs to medal winners at the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. On artificial intelligence, Yogi said AI could simplify tasks and provide answers but could not teach people to ask questions.
He urged students to remain curious, work hard, participate in sports and explore India’s culture and heritage.