UP to honour six on foundation day

Lucknow: The state govt will confer the prestigious Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman on six distinguished individuals this year. The list includes Krishnakant Shukla from Varanasi (physics, musician, poet); Himanshu Gupta from Vrindavan, Mathura (entrepreneur-environmentalist); Manish Verma from Kanpur (agriculture-Dalit entrepreneur); Krishna Yadav from Bulandshahr (woman entrepreneur); Colonel Subhash Deshwal from Bulandshahr (agriculture-entrepreneur); and Dr Jai Singh from Bahraich (banana production).
The award, finalised by the state culture department, includes a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh, a certificate of appreciation and a shawl. It will be presented on UP foundation day celebrations due to take place on January 24 and 26 at the Awadh Shilp Gram in Lucknow. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Governor Anandiben Patel and chief minister Yogi Adityanath will be present on the occasion.
Minister for culture and tourism, Jaiveer Singh said that along with the main event, a variety of programmes will be held throughout the state, including at Sector-7 of Maha Kumbh, Noida Shilpgram and in all 75 districts. "The theme for Uttar Pradesh Day 2025 is ‘Vikas aur virasat: Pragati path par Uttar Pradesh' (Development and heritage: Uttar Pradesh on the path to progress)," the minister said, adding that the list of activities will include exhibitions, seminars, conferences, cultural programmes, competitions and roadshows organised by various departments, all reflecting this theme.
Singh further said that special exhibitions will highlight the state's heritage and development. A tribute to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his centenary year will showcase significant moments from his life. Other exhibits will commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and themes such as ‘Our Constitution, Our Pride.'
He said that visitors can explore exhibitions featuring arts, crafts and products from all 75 districts under the One District, One Product (ODOP) scheme. Food courts will offer a chance to savour diverse regional cuisines.