Lucknow: A day ahead of Krishna Janmashtami, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday inaugurated Swami Haridas Auditorium in Mathura and used the event to distribute benefits to thousands of beneficiaries under multiple state and central welfare and livelihood schemes.The programme blended the launch of the new cultural venue with the handover of financial assistance, housing-related approvals and appointment letters. Officials said 7,240 beneficiaries received support under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana 2.0 (Urban) and Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana (Rural). The chief minister handed over sanction letters, certificates, cheques and house keys to selected recipients during the event.Among the individual beneficiaries highlighted, Manoj Kumar received Rs 5 lakh under Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan. Toran Singh was given a Rs 3.20 lakh sanction letter under Mukhyamantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Shailendra Singh received a Rs 11.80 lakh sanction certificate under Mini Nandini Krishak Samriddhi Yojana. Rajveer Singh was handed Rs 8.75 lakh for dairy processing, while Saurabh Kumar Verma received more than Rs 4.12 lakh for spice processing.Other disbursements included Rs 65,000 to Murari Lal under Kanya Vivah Sahayata Yojana and Rs 5 lakh to Sukhdei under Mukhyamantri Krishak Durghatna Kalyan Yojana. Appointment letters were presented to Dr Princess Chakraborty and Dr Rajat Dwivedi. Archana received a tailoring toolkit under Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana.Ahead of the festival, the event also included ceremonial elements. Yogi performed annaprashan for young children, feeding them kheer, and distributed toys and gifts. He also presented fruit baskets and gifts to women.At the auditorium, a short film on the project’s construction and development was screened. The chief minister honoured saints with garlands, fruits and angavastram and interacted with students who recited mantras. Mathura MP and actor Hema Malini attended.A cultural programme by 51 artists from Shivaoham Productions depicted different emotions and forms associated with Lord Krishna through dance, choreographed by BHU-associated Kathak dancer Shivani Mishra. Students of Hanuman Prasad Dhanuka School, Vrindavan, presented the national song.Yogi later visited departmental stalls, interacting with beneficiaries and women’s self-help groups about products and livelihood activities, including handicrafts and garments.
