MATHURA: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said those seeking to disturb social harmony, spread hatred or undermine the country’s unity and integrity would not be allowed to succeed, drawing on the teachings of Lord Krishna ahead of Janmashtami.
Speaking at a programme in Mathura during his second day in the city, Adityanath said the message associated with Lord Krishna’s life and the Bhagavad Gita continued to hold significance in contemporary society.
“Wherever the forces of goodness exist, they will be protected under all circumstances. But wherever anti-national and anti-social forces raise their heads, create hatred in society or attempt to harm India’s unity, integrity and faith, Lord Krishna had already said 5,000 years ago what their fate would be,” he said.
The chief minister referred to the Gita’s celebrated teaching, “Paritranaya sadhunam, vinashaya cha dushkritam”, which speaks of protecting the righteous and eliminating evil. He said the principle remained relevant in confronting forces that sought to disrupt society.
According to Adityanath, Lord Krishna appeared at the site in Mathura around 5,200 years ago with the purpose of upholding “dharma, truth and justice” in Aryavarta.
He said the Braj region had continued to preserve its religious traditions and the cultural memory of Krishna despite invasions and historical attempts to impose different faiths on the country.
“Many invasions took place and many people tried to impose their faith on India, but no one could erase the Sanatan faith,” he said.
Adityanath further said attempts to wipe out the Sanatan tradition had failed, while the legacy of Krishna and Radha Rani continued to resonate beyond Braj.
“Those who dared to erase Sanatan faith themselves disappeared into the dust, but the memories of Shri Krishna and Radha Rani, not only in Braj but across India, continue to inspire us today and provide an encouraging environment for future generations,” he said.
The chief minister also greeted devotees arriving in Mathura for Janmashtami and extended his wishes to the people of Uttar Pradesh on the festival commemorating Lord Krishna’s birth.
Adityanath has been in Mathura since Thursday for the Janmashtami celebrations and is scheduled to participate in various events being held in connection with the festival.