Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday, 19 October 2025, extended greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Maha Navami and Vijayadashami, calling upon them to pledge to eradicate social evils — including substance abuse, domestic discord, caste-based discrimination, and the dowry system — alongside the symbolic burning of the Ravan effigy. The Chief Minister framed the festival as an opportunity for collective moral renewal, not merely a religious celebration.

The Appeal and Its Message

In his Vijayadashami address, CM Yogi said the burning of Ravan should serve as a reminder that the real enemies are internal — ego, injustice, discrimination, and negativity. 'Building a safe and harmonious society requires not only the efforts of the administration but also the active participation of the public,' he said, directly appealing to citizens to take personal responsibility.

He invoked the ideals of Lord Shri Ram and Goddess Durga to frame the call to action, stating that Sanatan culture teaches humility and respect even in moments of triumph. Notably, he cited Lord Ram's famous words — 'Janani Janmabhumishcha Swargadapi Gariyasi' (One's mother and motherland are even greater than heaven itself) — as an enduring inspiration for devotion to the nation.

Governance Linked to Ram's Ideals

The Chief Minister connected the festival's values directly to his government's governance priorities, asserting that the rule of law and public safety remain central to his administration. 'Decisive steps have been taken to foster a fear-free environment by initiating stringent action against the mafia and organised crime. Housing for the poor has been constructed on land reclaimed from the clutches of the mafia,' he said.

CM Yogi also referenced a specific initiative in Prayagraj, where land freed from mafia control in the Kasari-Masari area is being developed as 'Shrikrishnapuri' — a housing project for poor families. He asserted that the government's zero-tolerance policy towards criminals had bolstered investor confidence and created conditions conducive to development.

Call for Compassion on Addiction

On substance abuse — one of the social evils he specifically named — CM Yogi urged citizens not to ostracise those struggling with addiction. 'If someone around you is struggling with an addiction, do not shun them; instead, offer them support and empathy, and encourage them to embrace a healthy life,' he said. The appeal reflects an attempt to move public discourse from punitive to rehabilitative approaches at the community level.

Ram's Ideals as a Global Legacy

CM Yogi also widened the cultural lens, arguing that the ideals embedded in the story of Lord Ram are not confined to India but are woven into the cultural traditions of nations across the world. He added, however, that these ideals carry meaning only when reflected in individual conduct and governance — underscoring his government's framing of Ram Rajya as a model of just administration.

With Vijayadashami 2025 celebrations underway across Uttar Pradesh, the Chief Minister's message signals the Yogi administration's continued effort to blend cultural symbolism with a social reform agenda — a strategy it has consistently pursued since taking office.