Mumbai: NDTV marked the celebration of Mahakumbh with a special program, Mahakumbh Samvaad, featuring an exclusive interview with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Conducted by NDTV’s Editor-in-Chief Sanjay Pugalia in Lucknow, the session highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s transformation into a major growth hub and the immense cultural and spiritual significance of the Mahakumbh.
“Uttar Pradesh has become the growth engine for India,” remarked Yogi Adityanath, emphasizing the state’s progress and its pivotal role in national development. He underscored how large-scale events like Mahakumbh not only embody cultural heritage but also catalyze sustainable growth.
The Chief Minister spotlighted his government’s focus on creating opportunities for young people, stating, “We gave government jobs to 7 lakh youths in Uttar Pradesh,” showcasing his administration’s efforts in fostering growth and development.
Reflecting on the meticulous preparations for the ongoing Mahakumbh, Yogi Adityanath shared how lessons from the 2019 Ardha Kumbh shaped this year’s planning. “When we organised the Kumbh in 2019, we reviewed media reports and identified issues like hygiene, river cleanliness, and infrastructure gaps. Since then, we have worked systematically to improve all aspects of the event,” he said.
Highlighting infrastructure advancements, he added, “This year, we built 14 underpasses and flyovers, expanded the civil terminal, and improved connectivity. For the mela, which spans 10,000 acres, we allocated an additional 5,000 acres for parking.”
Describing the Mahakumbh as a unifying celebration, the Chief Minister remarked, “This is a Maha Parv. On January 14, nearly six crore devotees took a dip in the Sangam. This message of unity was given by Mahakumbh. There was no discrimination. People who used to criticise Sanatana Dharma now say they have come to see this.”
The Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, which began on January 13 and will continue until February 26, has already drawn over 12 crore devotees, representing India’s diverse cultural and linguistic fabric.
Commending NDTV for its comprehensive coverage, Yogi Adityanath said, “I would like to congratulate the NDTV team for ensuring accuracy in its coverage of the Mahakumbh. I would also like to applaud the viewers of NDTV network who have access to a special spectacular coverage of such a prestigious and pious occasion.” He further lauded the media for effectively conveying the event’s grandeur and spiritual essence to a global audience. “The media has worked positively to take this message to the world,” he said.
The program featured esteemed speakers, including Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Rakesh Sinha (Former MP, Rajya Sabha), Prashant Kumar (DGP, UP Police), Amrit Abhijat (Principal Secretary, Urban Development, UP Government), and Mukesh Meshram (Principal Secretary, Tourism & Culture, UP Government).
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar highlighted the role of spirituality in daily life, saying, “Spirituality is an integral aspect of life. Our self-awareness allows us to transcend mortality, for consciousness itself is eternal. It is essential to liberate ourselves from stress in every sphere of life and approach all endeavors with peace and patience.”
Summarizing the event, NDTV’s Editor-in-Chief Sanjay Pugalia said, “The Mahakumbh 2025 is an unprecedented spectacle of grandeur, unlike anything we have witnessed before. Hearing directly from the Hon’ble CM, Yogi Adityanath, about his vision, the planning, and the efforts to bring about this scale in the most meticulous manner was truly insightful.”
The Mahakumbh Samvaad program offered an in-depth look at the monumental preparations, cultural richness, and spiritual unity of Mahakumbh 2025, reflecting the essence of Uttar Pradesh’s heritage and progress.
