Gorakhpur: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has helped artisans and craftsmen move towards prosperity by linking traditional skills with modern technology and new market opportunities through the PM Vishwakarma scheme.Addressing a Vishwakarma Jayanti function at the Shri Vishwakarma Panchayat Mandir in Jatashankar, the chief minister said nations that honour artisans and craftsmen continue to progress.After offering prayers to Lord Vishwakarma, he said traditional occupations such as masonry, carpentry, sweet-making and goldsmithing had long served as the foundation of self-reliance but remained neglected for decades after Independence.Yogi said the double-engine govt, under the guidance of PM Modi, has for the first time provided artisans and craftsmen with training, toolkits and employment opportunities. He added that more than three crore people in Uttar Pradesh are now earning livelihoods and moving towards self-reliance through craftsmanship and traditional skills.Calling the day especially significant, the chief minister noted that it marked both the birth anniversary of Lord Vishwakarma, revered as the divine architect of creation, and the birthday of PM Modi. He said artisans across the country were expressing gratitude to Lord Vishwakarma through worship and prayers.Extending birthday wishes to the prime minister, Yogi said he hoped Modi would continue to guide the nation and help realise the vision of a developed India.During the programme, the chief minister also released a commemorative book on the Vishwakarma Pujanotsav.
