Beware of traitors who are looting the country in the name of casteism: CM Yogi

CM addresses the inauguration of the three-day ‘Rashmirathi Parv’ and the release of the ‘Rashmirathi Se Samvad’ souvenir

The work of National Poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar remains a torchbearer of national consciousness; Literature is a mirror of society: Chief Minister

Chief Minister watches the staging of Rashmirathi, appreciates the vibrant performances of the artists

Special theatrical presentations on Swami Vivekananda, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Atal Bihari Vajpayee to be held during the three-day event

Lucknow, April 2026 : “The timeless work ‘Rashmirathi’ by National Poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar continues to inspire and guide society and the nation even today. If India is to become strong, self-reliant, and developed, we must remain cautious of forces that divide society in the name of caste.” These remarks were made by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday while addressing the inauguration of the three-day ‘Rashmirathi Parv’ and the release of the ‘Rashmirathi Se Samvad’ souvenir at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan.

Chief Minister said, “This three-day event is being organized on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Dinkar Ji’s immortal poetic work ‘Rashmirathi.’ We have gathered in the state capital to express our gratitude to such a powerful literary figure. Here, we will witness a series of theatrical performances based on his timeless work. Through these performances, we will see how Goddess Saraswati resided on Dinkar Ji’s tongue and how his pen wove words into poetry. All of this will be experienced through the staging of ‘Rashmirathi.’ On this occasion, I pay my humble tributes to Dinkar Ji while bowing to his memories.”

CM Yogi informed, when he received the invitation for this program, he immediately requested that it be scheduled on a day when he could personally participate, as he often uses excerpts from Dinkar Ji’s works to respond to opponents. India has always been rich in resources and a major global power, yet it has also endured centuries of subjugation.

He added, “No one could match India in strength and intellect, but we had certain shortcomings. The way Dinkar Ji addressed these shortcomings in his writings is something I deeply appreciate. You will also witness this through the theatrical presentation.”

The Chief Minister said that in ‘Rashmirathi,’ Dinkar Ji wrote:

“Unch-neech ka bhed na jaane, wahi shreshth gyani hai,
Daya-dharm jismein ho, sabse wahi poojya prani hai.”

On casteism, he wrote:

“Mool jaanna bada kathin hai nadiyon ka, veeron ka,
Dhanush chhodkar aur gotra kya hota randheeron ka.
Paate hain sammaan tapobal se bhootal par shoor,
Jaati-jaati ka shor machaate keval kaayar kroor.”

CM Yogi stated, if we wish to preserve our independence for a long time and realize the vision of a developed and self-reliant India, we must remain vigilant against anti-national elements who exploit caste divisions to weaken the nation.

He said that for the youth, Dinkar Ji had already conveyed this message decades ago through these lines:

“Sach hai, vipatti jab aati hai,
Kaayar ko hi dahlaati hai,
Soorma nahin vichlit hote,
Kshan ek nahin dheeraj khote,
Vighnon ko gale lagaate hain,
Kaanton mein raah banaate hain.”

Chief Minister added, the way Dinkar Ji awakened social consciousness and united society is unparalleled. Through his works, he consistently inspired people at different levels and strengthened the nation’s consciousness.

He said, even when attempts were made to suppress India’s democracy, Dinkar Ji gave a call: “Singhasan khaali karo ki janata aati hai.” This demonstrates how words can become mantras, inspiring every individual with a sense of sacrifice, awareness, and dedication toward the nation.

Chief Minister said that ‘Rashmirathi’ is about a character who struggled for identity. The way Dinkar Ji presented his story and described his virtues compelled everyone to reflect on how no one should be overlooked. In ‘Parshuram ki Prateeksha,’ he wrote:

“Jab kisi jaati ka aham chot khaata hai,
Paavak prachand hokar baahar aata hai.
Yeh wahi chot khaaye swadesh ka bal hai,
Aahat bhujang hai, sulga hua anal hai.”

CM Yogi stated, he has directed the Culture Department to promote such literary works as they provide inspiration to today’s generation. Tomorrow, a theatrical performance based on Swami Vivekanand will also be held here. Swami Vivekanand is an inspiration for every Indian. Though a monk, he became a guide for youth. He brought global recognition to India’s Vedic and Sanatan traditions.

He informed, “By linking knowledge with science, Swami Vivekanand prepared society for modern times and worked tirelessly to awaken India’s consciousness. After his address at the Chicago Parliament of Religions, his travels in India included places like Lucknow, Ayodhya, and Kashi in Uttar Pradesh.”

Chief Minister said, on April 26, a program based on Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak will be held here. Tilak Ji had proclaimed in Lucknow, “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it,” which became a major force in India’s independence movement. On the same day, the ‘Atal Swarajanjali’ program will also be held, featuring a dance-drama based on the poems of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Recently, his birth centenary year was observed, and a ‘Rashtra Prerna Sthal’ has been developed in Lucknow. Lucknow remained a major karmabhoomi of Atal Ji for a long time.

CM Yogi said that students from Bhatkhande Culture University and other institutions should also be encouraged to participate in this program. Those who do not have examinations should attend and witness it. Arrangements should also be made for their travel, and special programs should be organized for them. They should learn about literature, as literature is truly a mirror of society.

He added, “A mirror reflects exactly what exists. The kind of nation we aspire to build is shaped by such literary works, from which we draw inspiration.”

CM Yogi said, “He bows to the memories of Swami Vivekanand and pays tribute to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who elevated cultural consciousness to national consciousness through the Ganpati festival in Maharashtra. The same spirit echoed in Lucknow in 1916 when Tilak Ji proclaimed, “Swaraj is my birthright.” In his memory, a program was also organized in Lucknow in 2017, inspired by the then Governor, and members of Tilak Ji’s family were invited.”

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also watched the staging of Rashmirathi and wholeheartedly appreciated the artists for their lively performances. He directed the Culture Department to make such works accessible to the general public.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, former Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, Satyapal Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Dinesh Sharma, event coordinator and Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, Culture and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, BJP leader Neeraj Singh, Dinkar Smriti Nyas Chairman Neeraj Kumar, and Dinkar Ji’s grandson Ritvik Udayan were present at the event.