Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday, 4 October 2026, called on the teaching community to take the lead in resisting forces he described as 'attempting to divide society' and 'jeopardise India's independence.' He made the remarks while addressing the 'Prantiya Shikshak Garima Sammelan' in Lucknow, held as part of the centenary celebrations of the Akhil Vishva Gayatri Parivar.

The Setting and Occasion

The event was convened at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University, Lucknow. It commenced with the chanting of the Gayatri Mantra, and Chief Minister Adityanath inaugurated the workshop by lighting a ceremonial lamp. He paid tribute to Pandit Shriram Sharma and Mata Bhagwati Devi, founders of the Gayatri Parivar, crediting the organisation with setting 'an ideal example of social unity.'

Adityanath drew a historical parallel, noting that Gita Press was established in 1923, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1925, and the Akhil Vishva Gayatri Parivar in 1926. 'Although their paths differed, all three worked towards awakening public consciousness and connecting society with Sanatan values and the essence of Bharatiyata,' he said.

Key Remarks on Teachers and National Unity

Describing teachers as 'the conscience of society and the architects of the era,' the Chief Minister said that a vigilant and dutiful teaching community would accelerate India's journey toward becoming a 'Vishwa Guru' (world leader). He invoked the ancient Gurukul tradition and its legacy — citing the relationship between Chanakya and Chandragupta, and between Maharshi Sandipani and Lord Krishna — as a model for contemporary education.

Adityanath also highlighted the participation of over 11 lakh students in the 'Bharatiya Sanskriti Gyan Pariksha', arguing that proper guidance for youth would make them 'the architects of India's destiny.'

Warning Against Divisive Forces

The Chief Minister directly targeted what he called 'divisive forces,' asserting that elements seeking to fragment India along lines of caste, language, and region were committing 'a crime against Bharat Mata.' He said: 'Such elements exist even today, wanting to divide the society on the basis of language, caste etc. It is a crime against Bharat Mata, against our ancestors. It is a notorious attempt to again jeopardise India's independence.'

He added that similar forces had opposed India's freedom struggle, and called on the teaching community to 'stop such divisive forces at any cost' whenever the nation faces such threats. This comes amid a broader political discourse around social cohesion and national identity that has intensified ahead of several upcoming state elections.

The Modi Connection and Centenary Pledge

Adityanath invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat' vision, urging collective effort toward a unified India. Ahead of the centenary of India's independence, he called on citizens to 'shed the colonial mindset, take pride in the country's heritage, and work towards social equality and a developed India.' He also emphasised the importance of the philosophy of 'Vasudeva Kutumbakam' — the world as one family — in contemporary times.

He concluded with a pointed assertion: 'If every individual prioritizes duty over rights, no power in the world would dare to challenge India.' With the Gayatri Parivar marking its centenary year, the gathering signals a continued effort by the ruling establishment to align cultural and educational institutions with a unified national narrative.