Lucknow, Jan 6 (Reporter) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that the sacrifice of a martyr is the life of the community and the long series of sacrifices for the country and religion has always given new life to the society. Speaking at the Shaurya Samman-2025 programme, the CM said that the soldiers protect the country’s borders under extreme weather conditions, enduring temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. "The brave soldiers of Bharat Mata remain steadfast in their duty, guarding the frontiers day and night. The police personnel are constantly patrolling, ensuring the safety of citizens and instilling a sense of security among the people," he said. He asserted that if a society fails to honour the sacrifices of soldiers from the army, paramilitary and police force or neglects the families of martyrs, it reflects a failure in fulfilling national responsibilities. Yogi highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, which aims to transform India into a developed nation by 2047. He reiterated the importance of the Panch Pran, which includes eradicating colonial mindsets, taking pride in national heroes, and respecting the jawans who safeguard the nation. He inaugurated the event by lighting a ceremonial lamp and honoured the families of martyrs along with individuals who have brought pride to UP on the occasion. During the event, families of martyred soldiers and veterans from the 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan were honoured. Yogi underlined that a civilized society cannot exist without security and that the first condition of security is good governance, as outlined by Dr BR Ambedkar’s constitutional principles. "Honouring those who work relentlessly to ensure public safety is, therefore, a national responsibility," he said. Highlighting the remarkable progress made in UP since 2017, he said that the system remained the same, but the face of governance had changed. He compared the pre-2017 period when lawlessness prevailed with the present where the state has transformed into a safe and investment-friendly region. He mentioned that the youth now have access to job opportunities purely based on merit and the state has become free from communal riots, which were frequent earlier. The CM emphasised the economic progress made under his leadership, citing that while the state earlier struggled to attract Rs 40,000 crore in investments, it has now received proposals worth Rs 40 lakh crore, creating 1.25 crore jobs. He credited the improved law and order situation for this transformation, highlighting that over 1.50 lakh police vacancies were filled and the government pledged to take care of the families of martyred soldiers. Yogi highlighted UP's transformation since 2017 and said that earlier, the police would retreat while criminals acted fearlessly, but today criminals are being brought to justice. He emphasized that the state now stands for security, respect, and identity. "With the completion of the Ganga Expressway by year-end, UP will have 55 percent of the country's expressways and lead in railway connectivity, airports, metro systems, and municipal bodies, while proudly upholding its cultural heritage," he said. The CM invited everyone to the Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025, scheduled from January 13 to February 26, calling it a confluence of Indian culture and spirituality. He highlighted the massive infrastructure developments in Prayagraj and nearby cities in preparation for the event. He said, "Over 200 roads have been expanded, 14 new flyovers constructed and railway stations and Airports have undergone significant upgrades. Iconic spiritual sites such as Akshayvat, Saraswati Devi Temple, Bade Hanuman Temple, and the Patalpuri Corridor will be more accessible to devotees." Yogi said, "The Maha Kumbh is expected to attract a massive crowd, with facilities to accommodate even 10 crore devotees a day. A zero-liquid discharge system has been established for maintaining cleanliness, along with the construction of 1.50 lakh toilets." He said that under the leadership of PM Modi, this century's Kumbh will be known as the Digital Kumbh, blending faith and modernity. "The Prayagraj Maha Kumbh will offer a unique opportunity to connect with India’s spiritual heritage, including Ayodhya, Kashi, Maa Vindhyavasini, Asini Dham, Chitrakoot, Lucknow and Shringverpur," he said. The CM invited everyone to witness this grand confluence of Indian culture...////...