The Prime Minister's resolve for a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) by 2047 is the foundation for your children's better future – Keshav Prasad Maurya
Keshav Prasad Maurya addressed the ‘Taste of Uttar Pradesh Conclave’ held today at Ramansha, Naini, Prayagraj. On this occasion, he honored participants who have made significant contributions to showcasing Uttar Pradesh’s local flavors, traditional cuisine, and unique dishes to the nation and the world. Shri Maurya stated that Uttar Pradesh holds a distinct identity across the country not only for its historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage but also for its rich culinary traditions. The traditional dishes of the state's various districts are deeply rooted in their respective cultures, agriculture, local resources, and lifestyles. The ‘One District, One Dish’ initiative is a significant step towards giving a new identity to the traditional flavors and unique culinary specialties of every district in Uttar Pradesh.
He remarked that the objective of this initiative is not merely to promote local cuisine but also to strengthen the local economy, create employment and self-employment opportunities, and provide market access to the state's small entrepreneurs, artisans, and self-help groups. When a district's unique dish gains access to national and international markets, the direct benefits reach the associated farmers, food processing entrepreneurs, women's self-help groups, artisans, and small business owners.
Shri Maurya stated that Uttar Pradesh is defined by its villages, farmers, artisans, women, and youth. The ‘double-engine’ government is continuously working to take the state to new heights by integrating these very sections of society into the mainstream of development. The pace and scale of development witnessed in the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi are unprecedented compared to the tenures of previous governments. Today, rapid progress is being made in sectors such as roads, railways, airports, digital connectivity, industry, employment, tourism, and infrastructure.
The Deputy Chief Minister noted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has placed a resolve before the nation to build a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047. This should not be the government's goal alone but a resolve shared by every citizen of the country. He emphasized that the government cannot build a developed India in isolation; farmers, laborers, traders, entrepreneurs, the youth, women, and every citizen of society must play their part in this endeavor. Addressing the gathering, he said, "The work of voluntary service (*shramdaan*) and nation-building we are undertaking today is not merely for the present; the voluntary effort put in today will lay the foundation for a better future for your children." We must build an India for future generations where there is no shortage of opportunities, where the youth find employment and self-employment, where women have the chance to become economically self-reliant, and where talent from villages gains access to a global platform.
He noted that women in self-help groups across Uttar Pradesh are doing outstanding work in various sectors. By promoting women's groups in the fields of local food products and traditional cuisine, they can be integrated into entrepreneurship. This will increase the income of rural women and strengthen both their families and the rural economy.
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the government aims to transform local flavors into a source of local employment and to make Uttar Pradesh's traditional dishes an integral part of the state's economic and cultural identity. Commending the efforts of the conclave participants, he remarked that all those who take the flavors of Uttar Pradesh to the rest of the country and the world serve as brand ambassadors for the state's rich heritage.
