Lucknow, Jan 24 (Reporter) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday said that in the last eight years, Uttar Pradesh has become 'Uttam Pradesh' and it is now rapidly moving towards becoming an enterprise state. Addressing the UP Foundation Day programme organised at Awadh Shilpgram, the Vice President praised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for this and said that he is dedicated to the development of the state with determination. Talking about the Maha Kumbh, he said that the entire world is surprised how such a big event is being organised in Prayagraj in such a systematic manner. "I have accepted the invitation of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ji and will take a dip in the Maha Kumbh with my family on February 1. It will be a matter of pride for me." Dhankhar praised the decline in crime in the state and said that this has led to a significant jump in the ease of doing business. He supported Yogi's 'Bantenge to Katenge' slogan and said that the whole country has supported his idea. The Vice President also expressed concern over the presence of illegal refugees in the country. He said that crores of refugees are living illegally in the country. "They are challenging the system. Also, they are thinking of making their share in the election game. The whole world has become aware of this, we also have to take it seriously. For the identity and stability of the country, we will have to take strict action against it," the Vice President said. He congratulated the people of the state on the foundation day of the state and said that Yogi has proved that UP is a state with unlimited potential. Dhankhar said that the tradition of celebrating State Foundation Day since 2018 is a commendable step. "A scheme has been started on every foundation day. Today, the CM Yuva Udyami Abhiyan has been launched. Under this, not only 10 lakh entrepreneurs will be created, but these entrepreneurs will also create employment opportunities for others," the Vice President said. He said that UP's identity is reflected in its rapid and historic progress. "This was not an easy task. No one had thought that this would happen, for this Yogi Adityanath deserves praise," Dhankhar said. The Vice President said that UP is at the forefront in building a world-class institutional structure. "This is an example for the whole world. UP's participation is important in India's long leap in the expansion of technology and business. There was a time when UP was known for its concern about law and order. There was no way out of it. The state was trapped in a maze. The possibilities were frustrating. Yogi has given it the identity of a state with good governance. This progress is being discussed in the country and abroad," he said. Dhankhar said that the state has the blessings of Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Kashi Vishwanath and Sankat Mochan Bajrangbali. "The Mahant of Gorakhnath Math is leading it. When the leader is strong, the development is qualitative. There has been a long line of Yogis in this state. Today, the leadership of this state is in the hands of a Yogi. Lord Buddha gave his first message here. UP is steeped in the stories of the freedom movement," he said. The Vice President said that at the age of 26 and for the last 26 years, Yogi Adityanath has dedicated himself with determination to public service. He said that he had the opportunity to become an MP along with Mahant Avaidyanath and to receive his blessings. Dhankhar said that Yogi is the only person in this state who has become the CM twice in a row. "His tenure has been longer than any previous CM," he said. The Vice President said that there come such occasions in the life of a country and a person when the circumstances are challenging, then the words should be effective and sharp. "Words do not give hints but give a clear message. Yogi ji gave a message that if we are not united, what could be the adverse consequences. The whole country has understood this idea," he said. Dhankhar said that UP has become a laboratory of Raj Dharma and people-centric governance. "There was a time when this state was known as a sick state. Today no one even mentions it because the wheel of change has turned 180 degrees," he said. The Vice President said that if we evaluate UP, then this state has taken a long leap in ease of doing business. "It has come from 19th to second place," he said. Dhankhar quipped that the CM is 'guilty' in only one case, that is the pace of crime in UP has slowed down. "The message of a blow to crime has gone to the whole country. In the last seven-eight years, the state's exports have doubled. The number of airports and metros has increased. The whole world is surprised to see the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh. Many institutions of the world are studying how such a big event is being organised. The target of a 1 trillion dollar economy set by the state seems to be getting fulfilled," he said. The Vice President said that in the last 10 years, the public has become addicted to development. "This is the reason why India is the most aspirational country in the world today. Developed India is not our dream but our goal. The biggest sacrifice in the Maha Yagya that is being done for this is being made by UP. The state today ranks second in the country in terms of economy. Now it has to reach the first position," he said. Dhankhar described Vocal for Local as an area with immense possibilities. He said that the journey from North to Uttam is the story of the new UP. "We have to keep national interest paramount in every situation. No profit and greed can be above national duty," he said. Emphasising on adopting Swadeshi, the Vice President said that the goods which are being manufactured in the country should not be imported. He also advised not to export raw material abroad...////...