Mustafabad in Kheri to be renamed as Kabirdham, says Yogi | Lucknow News

Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday announced that Mustafabad in Lakhimpur Kheri would be renamed as Kabirdham. Speaking at the Smriti Prakatyotsav Mela-2025, the CM said his govt made special efforts to reverse the names of places given by previous govts to their original form and cited the examples of Allahabad to Prayagraj and Faizabad to Ayodhya.“The Opposition changed the original names in the name of secularism, but it was sheer hypocrisy. Under the double-engine govt, extensive efforts are underway to restore and beautify religious and spiritual sites across UP. In contrast, earlier govts diverted such funds towards constructing boundary walls for graveyards,” the CM said.Paying tribute to Sant Asangdev Ji Maharaj for his contribution to spirituality, drug de-addiction, and national awakening, the CM cautioned the youth against drugs, calling addiction a path to destruction. He alleged that “foreign forces” were conspiring to ruin India’s youth and urged people, especially the younger generation, to limit the usage of phones and focus on self-development.Highlighting the works done by BJP’s double-engine govt, he said that it worked to foster patriotism, preserve traditions, and promote respect for heritage and holistic development. Invoking the teachings of Sant Kabir, which, he said, continued to illuminate society even today, Yogi spoke about the philosophy of Nirgun Bhakti and Kabir’s work to bridge social divides through simple explanations of the bond between the soul and the ‘Supreme Being’.“Guru Govind dono khade, kaake lagun paay,” the CM quoted Kabir to illustrate the eternal importance of the Guru. He quoted another couplet of Kabir — “Jaati paati puche na koi, jo Hari ko bhaje so Hari ka hoyi” — which, he said, formed the foundation of social harmony and national unity.Taking potshots at the Opposition, the CM cautioned people against “forces attempting to weaken the nation’s unity” through casteism and communalism. He said that such “evils” should be identified urgently and eliminated immediately, as they can corrode society like a disease. He called for patriotism, calling it the solution to all challenges, saying that the country was not just soil but “our motherland and fatherland, and serving this sacred land is the truest form of worship”.Praising India’s development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the CM said that before 2014, the nation was facing an identity crisis marked by rampant corruption, terrorism, and divisive politics. Under Modi, he said, India emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy and was on course to become the third-largest economic powerhouse in the coming months.Detailing his govt’s development work, Yogi spoke about the changes in the state, especially in border districts like Lakhimpur Kheri. “Roads are being constructed, medical colleges are being established, airports are being expanded, and eco-tourism is being actively promoted. The rejuvenation of religious sites such as Gola Gokarnanath Dham and Kabirdham is not only revitalising faith but also boosting tourism in the region,” he said.The CM outlined the importance of cow protection and natural farming, adding that his govt was giving Rs 1,500 per month each for the care of cows. He directed public representatives to ensure proper management of cow shelters while he elaborated on the negative impact of chemical farming and encouraged farmers to switch to natural methods. “This is true patriotism, serving the nation by protecting its soil, water, and agriculture, and by freeing society from addiction,” he said.BOX‘Kabirdham strengthens values of harmony, devotion’During his visit, the CM unveiled statues of Shri Kshamadevji and Shri Guruman Saheb as part of the Ashram’s annual tradition of installing statues of seers. He also planted a Rudraksh tree within the Ashram premises. Elaborating on Kabirdham Ashram’s spiritual heritage, and its culture of service, the CM said that such places strengthen the values of harmony, devotion, and selfless service in society.