MP–UP Sahayog Sammelan Gives New Direction to Shared Development and Cultural Coordination: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that hosting the MP–UP Sahayog Sammelan in the sacred city of Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi is a matter of great fortune for both Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The conference will open a new chapter in export cooperation, cultural heritage and religious tourism.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, addressing media representatives in Varanasi after the Sammelan, said that the event focused on connecting One District One Product (ODOP), GI-tagged products, export-oriented goods, traditional crafts and regional specialties with national and international markets. Special emphasis was laid on promoting the branding, marketing and export of distinctive products from both states. He said discussions were held to accelerate industrial cooperation, investment promotion, cultural exchange and tourism development. Both states have resolved to take a major step towards prosperity and development through mutual coordination and cooperation.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath for the success of the conference. He also thanked Uttar Pradesh Ministers Shri Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ and Shri Rakesh Sachan for their support.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Lord Shri Ram and Lord Shri Krishna share deep historical and spiritual connections with both states. After his incarnation, Lord Shri Ram spent a long period of exile in the regions of present-day Madhya Pradesh. Similarly, after Mathura, Lord Krishna came to Ujjain to receive education. Several centres of religious faith also exist along the borders of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Considering these shared spiritual traditions, both states will work towards developing a religious tourism circuit, which will further strengthen religious tourism and cultural ties.

Participation of Industrial and Trade Organisations

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said the objective of the conference was to provide a comprehensive platform for ODOP and GI-tag products, artisans, agricultural and food producers, industry representatives, investors and policymakers. Around 400 participants attended the conference, and their wide participation made the programme an effective platform for dialogue, cooperation and exchange of experiences.

Direct Interaction Opportunity for Artisans, Entrepreneurs and Exporters

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Sammelan was specifically designed as an Exchange and Learning Platform for ODOP products, providing artisans, entrepreneurs and exporters from both states an opportunity for direct interaction. The event also emerged as an important initiative for ODOP-based exhibitions, inter-state cooperation, shared branding, joint exports and promoting local products at national and international levels.

Important MoUs Signed

Two important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh during the Sammelan. The first MoU was signed between the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Special Area Development Authority and the Shri Mahakal Temple Management Committee. Development works carried out under the Smart City Project in Varanasi and Ujjain, initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, have significantly boosted religious tourism and transformed the economies of both cities. The MoU aims to facilitate the exchange of experiences related to temple management and pilgrim facilities. The second MoU was signed to strengthen the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, promote local products at the national level and accelerate economic development through inter-state cooperation.

Special ODOP Exhibition Organised

A special exhibition showcasing ODOP products was also organised during the conference. The exhibition displayed products from 14 districts of Madhya Pradesh and seven districts of Uttar Pradesh. Exhibitors presented handicrafts, textiles, food products, GI-tagged items and other unique regional products.

2 Parallel Sessions Held

Two parallel sessions were also organised during the Sammelan. In the Joint Artisan Workshop, artisans from Madhya Pradesh’s Chanderi and Maheshwari textile traditions interacted directly with Banarasi silk artisans from Uttar Pradesh. Discussions were held on traditional weaving techniques, design innovation, shared branding strategies, buyer outreach, advanced packaging, quality standards and export-oriented product development.

The second session was the Tourism Round Table, which saw active participation from senior officials of the tourism departments of both states, leading tour operators and representatives of IRCTC. The initiative focused on organising religious tourism, improving the tourist experience and strengthening local economic activities.

Grand Theatrical Presentation of Samrat Vikramaditya

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav informed that the Department of Culture of Madhya Pradesh and the Samrat Vikramaditya Research Institute are organising a grand theatrical presentation titled “Samrat Vikramaditya” at Kashi Vishwanath Dham from April 3 to April 5. The production will present various aspects of the life and personality of Samrat Vikramaditya, highlighting his justice, compassion, good governance and deep commitment to democratic values. The performance will feature elephants, horses, camels and palanquins, with 300–400 artists recreating the historical era of Vikramaditya. The programme is being organised with full cooperation from the Uttar Pradesh government.

Cooperation in Solar Energy and River Linking

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said the Ken–Betwa River Linking Project will play a vital role in providing water for irrigation, drinking and industrial activities in both states. Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are also moving forward towards joint cooperation in the field of solar energy.

Sammelan Strengthens Cultural Coordination

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the MP–UP Sahayog Sammelan emerged as an effective platform for development and cultural coordination between the two states. The initiative strengthened mutual cooperation and played an important role in attracting investment, generating new employment opportunities, preserving traditional crafts, boosting exports and promoting tourism.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, both Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh will continue to move forward in establishing new dimensions of economic progress and balanced regional development.

Inspection of Preparations for the Grand Production

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also visited the BLW Ground in Varanasi to review preparations for the grand theatrical presentation ‘Samrat Vikramaditya’ scheduled from April 3 to April 5. He inspected the arrangements at the venue, stage setup and facilities for the audience and issued necessary directions to officials. The event, depicting the timeless legacy of Maharaja Vikramaditya, will not only be a remarkable confluence of art and culture but also a powerful medium to revive and celebrate India’s glorious heritage.