Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday (March 7, 2026) paid tribute to the first Chief Minister of the State late Govind Ballabh Pant, on his death anniversary.

The revolutionary steps taken by the first CM for the reconstruction of the State will always be an inspiration for everyone, Mr. Adityanath said in Lucknow.

“The works of Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant are a source of inspiration for all of us and continue to guide our path. He took several steps during his time for the development and reform of Uttar Pradesh. Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant was born in present-day Uttarakhand, which at that time was part of the United Provinces,” he said, offering floral tributes at his statue located at the Lok Bhavan in U.P.

The CM described him as a “great son of Mother India”, a renowned freedom fighter, an accomplished lawyer, and an able administrator.

“Responding to the call of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, he left his legal practice and joined the freedom struggle. When the country was under British rule, he was chosen as the Premier of the United Provinces in 1937. Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant is remembered by all as the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. As Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Pant laid the foundation of development and presented a vision that continues to guide the State. Following that vision, Uttar Pradesh today has become a major pillar of India’s economy,” Mr. Adityanath said.

Further, he said: “As Union Home Minister, Pant rendered invaluable services to the nation. He also played an important role in promoting and expanding the use of Hindi as the official language. In recognition of his invaluable contribution to India’s freedom and his distinguished service to Uttar Pradesh and the nation, he was awarded the ‘Bharat Ratna’ in 1957. The works of Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant continue to guide us even today.”