Uttar Pradesh CM Advocates for Non-Violence While Acknowledging the Need for Force
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently spoke at the inauguration of the Navy Valor Park, asserting that while non-violence should guide humanity, the use of force is sometimes necessary against threats to society. He linked security to development, highlighting the significant changes in Uttar Pradesh over the past decade. Adityanath emphasized the importance of respecting the armed forces and the duty of citizens to honor those who protect the nation. His remarks reflect a strong stance on balancing peace with the need for security.
| May 30, 2026, 15:06 IST
CM Yogi Adityanath's Stance on Non-Violence and National Security
On Saturday, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, emphasized that non-violence should be a guiding principle in human life. However, he acknowledged that using force becomes necessary when individuals pose a threat to the nation and society. Speaking at the inauguration of the Navy Valor Park in Lucknow, Adityanath highlighted that development can only thrive in a secure environment and stressed the importance of respecting national security and armed forces.
He stated that non-violence should be the true religion of humanity. Nevertheless, he pointed out that when someone becomes a danger to the country and society, non-violence may not suffice, making violence a necessary response. Quoting a well-known Sanskrit phrase, he remarked, "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma, Dharma Himsa Tathaiva Cha," which translates to non-violence being the highest virtue, yet the use of force is equally justified in protecting truth and national security. He asserted that a nation's strength determines its reputation in the world.
Adityanath further stated that only when we are strong on the security front will the world consider us friends, as no one bows before the weak. He elaborated that this principle is reflected in the actions of the armed forces when dealing with the nation's enemies. Linking security to development, he noted that Uttar Pradesh has witnessed significant changes over the past decade. He mentioned that development initiatives can only progress effectively in a safe environment, recalling that prior to 2017, the state frequently experienced curfews due to the activities of professional criminals and mafias that disrupted the lives of ordinary citizens.
Adityanath concluded by stating that just as the armed forces protect the nation's borders under all circumstances, it is also the duty of citizens to honor the soldiers who defend the country. He made these remarks during an event in Lucknow, where Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Navy Valor Park, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brijesh Pathak.