CM Yogi Adityanath unveils new mantra: “Think Big, Think Like UP”

Lucknow, August 19: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated Hotel Taj Palace in Vibhuti Khand, Gomtinagar on Wednesday by cutting the ribbon and lighting a lamp. He then inspected the hotel and reviewed the arrangements, calling it an achievement for Lucknow.

Addressing the ceremony, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath gave the mantra of “Think Big, Think Like UP.” He congratulated the Managing Director of Hotel Taj Palace and said that the hotel is aligning itself with this tagline. He added that many cities, including Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura-Vrindavan, are demanding such hotels, and he hopes this will increase.

CM Yogi said that the soul of India resides in Uttar Pradesh. An attempt was made to deny that soul, which led to an identity crisis. Uttar Pradesh has a long history, which gave identity to this soul of India. Ayodhya, Mathura-Vrindavan, Kashi, Prayagraj, the birthplace of Lord Buddha/the place of Mahaparinirvana/the place of enlightenment, maximum number of Jain Tirthankaras were born on this land. Mother Ganga, Yamuna, Saryu, among the world’s most sacred rivers, are in Uttar Pradesh. Ganga-Yamuna cover the longest distance in Uttar Pradesh. Despite having so much, when we forgot ourselves, then there was an identity crisis.

CM said that in nine and a half years, we recognized this soul and proved that Uttar Pradesh is a state of unlimited potential. The land of Uttar Pradesh is the ‘Hot Land of India’. The Chief Minister said that when our government was formed in 2017, we ranked third in the country in the tourism sector, but in 2025, 1.56 billion tourists visited pilgrimage sites like Kashi, Prayagraj, Mathura-Vrindavan, Ayodhya, and other places in Uttar Pradesh. Ten years ago, the perception about Uttar Pradesh was not very good. Building a hotel like the Taj Palace was a dream, but despite the situation before 2017, the Taj Mahal Hotel still stands, which is a testament to the influence of this land.

Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi says that if you want development, do not forget your heritage. There should be excellent coordination between development and heritage. By integrating these two, we have established Uttar Pradesh as the best tourist destination. No country in the world or even any state in India can now match Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh is ahead of all. He said that after the “One District, One Product” initiative, “One District, One Cuisine” initiative is being recognized.

CM said that the Taj Group has a long history. The first hotel of the Taj Group was built in Mumbai in 1903. Two hotels were built there, named after the Taj Mahal and the Taj Palace. Subsequently, one was built in Delhi. Lucknow is the third city to have both the Taj Mahal and the Taj Palace. Lucknow is known for its heritage and cultural traditions. UNESCO has given Lucknow special importance.

CM Yogi said that when we began the work of enhancing Uttar Pradesh’s identity, we recognized that it was time to explore its potential. This requires infrastructure, a safe environment, and a willingness among the public to engage with the work. This change is now visible in Uttar Pradesh. The Tata Group has established a long history of hotel chains across the country and Uttar Pradesh, and this is a necessity today. The CM said that work has been done to give the Taj Palace its best look. The provisions established in Uttar Pradesh’s tourism policy also provide excellent facilities here. The hotel boasts 181 rooms and suites, as well as a grand presidential suite. A 10,000-square-foot pillarless banquet hall is also available.

Chief Minister noted that the UP-Japan Investment Meet was held in Delhi yesterday and today. He also noted Japan’s achievements in technology and research, noting that for the first time in India, a state has successfully brought together over 200 foreign investors, industry leaders, and CEOs. They have expressed interest in investing in Uttar Pradesh in various sectors, including green hydrogen, modern technology, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, robotics, and automobiles. The Chief Minister stated that the Japanese delegation will be the hotel’s first guests.

Yogi noted that such venues offer excellent facilities for hosting national and international seminars, ceremonies, auspicious events, and public events. He emphasized the creation of a new ecosystem in the hospitality sector in the state. The CM said that people often consider hotels, hospitals, malls, and institutions as individual investments, but we don’t believe that. This sector impacts the ecosystem and provides employment to many. Hotel Taj Palace directly employs 600 people and indirectly employs hundreds of people through its supply chain.

Uttar Pradesh has transformed, with 60 percent of the country’s expressways located in this state

The CM said that Uttar Pradesh has transformed. With 17 domestic and five international airports, it has a new identity. Uttar Pradesh holds 60 percent of the national expressway network. Metro operates in most of its cities. The first rapid rail and inland waterway have also been launched here. Now, there is an excellent security environment. Uttar Pradesh has established a distinct identity for itself as a leader in development in every sector, including hospitality. Through ODOP, Uttar Pradesh is exporting goods worth ₹2 lakh crore (200,000 crore rupees). This has helped provide employment to many people.

For a developed India, developed Uttar Pradesh also needs excellent hospitality centers

The Chief Minister also spoke about Uttar Pradesh’s connection to PM Modi’s vision of a developed India, stating that short-term, medium-term, and long-term planning has been finalized. By 2029-30, Uttar Pradesh will become a $1 trillion economy. As the country celebrates the centenary of independence, excellent hospitality centers are essential in Uttar Pradesh, a developed India. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of local cuisine in areas connected to traditions

UNESCO recognized Lucknow as a “Creative City of Gastronomy” for its cuisine. UNESCO is recognizing Lucknow’s food and traditions. The Chief Minister urged Taj Group officials to incorporate local features of the traditions they connect to. The Laziz Gali here is very famous, and every family visits it. The Chief Minister also praised the standard hygiene of the kitchen and mentioned the sattu tied in the towels of the people of Ballia. He urged them to emphasize the cuisine of Awadh, including the Baati-Chokha and Sattu (ready-made food) of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Millets also hold great potential.

Don’t just live in the present, but also think about the future

The Chief Minister said that we shouldn’t just live in the present, but also think about the future. By linking youth skills with upskilling, the double speed of the government will propel Uttar Pradesh to a state with unlimited potential and establish itself as a leading economic growth engine in India. In nine years, we have moved from the bottom three to the top three.

Puneet Chatwal, MD of Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), welcomed the guests

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Water Power Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, Cooperation Minister JPS Rathore, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Seth, former Maharashtra Minister Kripashankar Singh, and Hotel Taj Palace Lucknow MD Anil Singh were present on the occasion.