Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the Atal Residential School in Sithauli Kala, Mohanlalganj, Lucknow, to inaugurate the second academic session. During his visit, he spent time with the students, admiring their innovative models and engaging with them in the classroom.

Taking on the role of a teacher, Chief Minister Yogi shared success mantras with students and answered their questions. He also took part in a group photoshoot with the students and took a selfie with them, making the occasion even more memorable for the children.

Yogi Adityanath began his visit by viewing an exhibition of innovative models created by the students. The exhibition showcased devices such as a smart dustbin, a smart blind stick, an automatic street light, an obstacle-avoiding robot, and various art and craft pieces.

Chief Minister Yogi praised and encouraged the students, who explained the features of their models to him. A girl even drew a picture of Chief Minister Yogi, which he signed.

Following the exhibition, the chief minister participated in a group photoshoot with the students. He then proceeded to the classroom, where he engaged with the children about their school experience and studies, distributing chocolates to them.

He enquired about the quality of education the children received before and how it has improved since their enrollment in the Atal Residential School. The students shared that they now benefit from learning in a smart classroom.

Chief Minister Yogi also interacted with the students and answered their queries. When one student asked, “We recently participated in the Independence Day parade in Lucknow and received an award. Can we also be part of the parade in Delhi?” Chief Minister Yogi responded with a smile, “Yes, you will definitely be sent.”

In another exchange, a student asked, “When you were in school, did you also get scolded for making mistakes?” Chief Minister Yogi, adopting the role of a teacher, offered advice: “If a mistake is made unintentionally, it is not a fault but an opportunity for improvement. However, repeating the same mistake continuously indicates a habit. Mistakes are natural when you are working, but persistent errors are not acceptable. Work hard and stay focused, and you will see positive results.”

After the question and answer session, Chief Minister Yogi took a group selfie with all the students.

During his visit, a girl expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Yogi for the excellent arrangements at Atal Residential Schools and asked if he had similar educational opportunities as a child. Chief Minister Yogi responded, “This initiative is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and it has been created for your benefit. It is public money, and when used correctly, it results in valuable resources like this school. If it misused, it would not serve its purpose.”

He added that 16 Atal Residential Schools have already been established, with two more in progress, and that plans are underway to build additional schools in 57 other districts.

“This will benefit thousands of children. Remember, following the right path leads to success, while the wrong path leads to confusion,” he said.

Chief Minister Yogi also mentioned that aside from providing infrastructure, the Uttar Pradesh government has set up a corpus fund for the daily operations of these schools, financed by the cess money collected from registered workers.

“You should consider writing a letter to Prime Minister Modi to express your thanks,” he suggested.

Class 6 student Chhavi Gautam asked Chief Minister Yogi when and how he thought of establishing Atal Residential Schools. Yogi explained, “Prime Minister Modi had pointed out that the cess collected by the BOCW Board from registered workers was often misused. He encouraged us to find a better use for it. After discussing with ministers, public representatives and officials, we realised that our workers frequently move from one district to another. If their children cannot be educated due to their constant relocation, we need to provide a solution.”

He continued, “Additionally, there was a need to support children who became orphaned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, we transformed Prime Minister Modi’s vision into the Atal Residential Schools. These schools, named in honour of respected Atalji, are being established in 57 new districts. We should express our gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for this initiative and to the memory of Atalji, under whose name these schools are helping many underprivileged children build a better future.”