With a focus on the huge untapped potential in various fields, the Yogi Adityanath government will celebrate 'UP Diwas' on January 24 -- the day when the erstwhile United Provinces was renamed in 1950.
This is the first time that 'UP Diwas' is being celebrated and its theme would be "reforms", officials said.
Stalls and exhibitions should be set up by various departments to bring to the notice of the masses the projects and achievements of the last one year of the UP government, Chief Secretary Rajive Kumar said at a meeting.
"People should be made aware of the history of Uttar Pradesh by conducting essay and painting competitions in all the schools in the state. The best painting and essay at the state level will be honoured and displayed on January 24. Events in sports like wrestling and kabaddi, besides body building and gymnastics will be held during the celebration," he said.
Kumar said that handicrafts and folk culture should be encouraged to showcase the state's rich cultural heritage.
Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Agarwal, Principal Secretary (Information) Avnish Kumar Awasthi and Director, (Information) Anuj Kumar Jha were among those present in the meeting.
The Uttar Pradesh cabinet on May 2 decided to celebrate January 24 every year as the 'Foundation Day' of the state.
Governor Ram Naik had three years back asked the then chief minister Akhilesh Yadav to observe UP Diwas on January 24.
"I had suggested celebrating January 24 as UP Diwas to former chief minister Yadav but despite terming it as a good move, he did nothing due to political compulsions," Naik had said days after the UP cabinet decision.
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