Lucknow: On the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah honored the District Magistrates of five districts for their exemplary performance under the Chief Minister’s Youth Entrepreneurship Development Campaign (CM Yuva). The event was held at the Rashtra Prerna Sthal (National Inspiration Site) in Lucknow and featured several other key initiatives to promote entrepreneurship, employment, and state development.
District Magistrates Recognized for Outstanding Work
The Union Home Minister awarded the following District Magistrates for their exceptional contributions under the CM Yuva scheme:
- Dr. Dinesh Chandra, District Magistrate, Jaunpur
- Ravindra Kumar, District Magistrate, Azamgarh
- Anunay Jha, District Magistrate, Hardoi
- Anupam Shukla, District Magistrate, Ambedkar Nagar
- Mridul Chaudhary, District Magistrate, Jhansi
Each honoree received a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh, along with a shawl, memento, and certificate of appreciation, recognizing their dedication to fostering youth entrepreneurship and ensuring the successful implementation of state and central schemes at the district level.

Launch of ‘One District-One Product’ (ODOP) and Industrial Zone Initiatives
During the ceremony, Amit Shah launched the ‘One District-One Product’ (ODOP) scheme, aimed at promoting local industries and products from each district of Uttar Pradesh. This initiative seeks to strengthen entrepreneurship, boost local economies, and provide visibility to the state’s diverse cultural and industrial heritage.
Additionally, the ‘Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Employment and Industrial Zone’ scheme was inaugurated, focused on creating industrial hubs to provide employment opportunities for youth while supporting enterprise development across the state. A short film highlighting the scheme and its objectives was screened during the program.
Celebrating Uttar Pradesh’s Progress and Culture
The event was themed “Developed India – Developed Uttar Pradesh”, celebrating the state’s achievements in governance, entrepreneurship, and cultural diversity. A cultural program titled “Complete Uttar Pradesh” showcased performances in the Braj, Bundeli, Awadhi, and Bhojpuri dialects, highlighting the rich heritage of the region. Artists from across the state captivated audiences with their traditional music and dance performances.
A short film titled “Developed India – Developed Uttar Pradesh” was also screened to emphasize the state’s economic growth, social initiatives, and youth-focused development schemes.
Other Honorees on UP Day
Apart from the District Magistrates, several other prominent personalities were awarded the Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman (UP Pride Award) for their outstanding contributions in various fields:
- Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla – Space travel
- Alakh Pandey – Education, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance
- Rashmi Arya – Education and innovation
- Dr. Hariom Panwar – Literature
- Dr. Sudhanshu Singh – Agriculture
The awards recognized individuals who have brought national pride to Uttar Pradesh through their achievements in education, science, agriculture, and innovation.
Tributes and Inaugurations by Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid floral tributes at the statues of great leaders Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the Rashtra Prerna Sthal. He also inaugurated:
- The handicrafts fair, showcasing traditional crafts from across the state
- The ODOP food festival, promoting regional delicacies
- Exhibitions on industrial and economic progress, underlining Uttar Pradesh’s growth trajectory
The focus was on encouraging entrepreneurship, employment generation, and state-led industrial development.
Significance of the Event
The UP Day celebrations and awards program served multiple purposes:
- Recognizing district-level administration excellence
- Promoting youth entrepreneurship through CM Yuva and ODOP
- Highlighting the state’s cultural richness
- Launching industrial initiatives to generate employment
- Inspiring citizens and officials to contribute to a developed, self-reliant Uttar Pradesh
The event underscored the collaborative approach of the central and state governments in fostering development, entrepreneurship, and innovation.












