Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath delivered a powerful address on the eve of Danveer Bhamashah’s birth anniversary and Trader Welfare Day, emphasizing the ancient Indian wisdom regarding the three destinies of wealth: ‘Danam, Bhogam, and Nashah’ (Donation, Consumption, and Destruction). Speaking at a ceremony held at Lok Bhawan on Saturday, the Chief Minister urged the adoption of Danveer Bhamashah’s ideals, advocating for a society free from caste-based divisions and reaffirming his “double engine government’s” commitment to the safety, respect, and welfare of the trading community, which he termed a vital component of nation-building.

The Chief Minister’s speech served as a poignant reminder of traditional values of wealth management, drawing a clear distinction between constructive and destructive uses of financial resources. He underscored that philanthropy, when exercised with proper consideration of ‘desh, kaal, and patra’ (country, time, and recipient), leads to lasting glory for individuals and generations. This kind of donation, directed towards national welfare, religious causes, public good, and the upliftment of the poor, is always meaningful and brings honor, according to ancient Indian thought.

The Three Fates of Wealth: A Core Philosophy

CM Yogi Adityanath expounded on the profound concept of ‘Danam, Bhogam, and Nashah’, highlighting that wealth has only three possible outcomes:

1. Danam (Donation/Charity): This path, according to the Chief Minister, leads to success and renown (Yashasvi). Giving back to society, especially for noble causes, not only benefits the recipients but also elevates the donor’s status and leaves a positive legacy.
2. Bhogam (Consumption/Enjoyment): While personal consumption allows one to live comfortably for a period, excessive or inappropriate indulgence can lead to negative consequences, metaphorically alluding to health issues like diabetes, or more broadly, a decline in well-being if consumed without purpose or balance.
3. Nashah (Destruction): Wealth acquired through illicit or corrupt means inevitably leads to destruction. CM Adityanath cited the downfall of mafias as a prime example, illustrating how ill-gotten gains ultimately become a cause for ruin.

This philosophical framework formed the bedrock of his address, advocating for responsible wealth management and ethical conduct within the business community.

A Scathing Attack on Caste-Based Politics and Corruption

Beyond the philosophical discourse, CM Yogi Adityanath launched a scathing attack on his political adversaries, accusing them of dividing society along caste lines and compromising governance. He asserted that those who splinter society in the name of caste were the same individuals who, when in power, “bowed down before mafias” and “mortgaged power.”

“Those who do caste-based vote bank politics are still roaming around, dividing society,” CM Adityanath stated. He continued, “Earlier, they used to extort money in the name of jobs; now they are dividing society in the name of caste. That’s why I say, ‘Bantoge toh katoge, ek rahoge toh nek rahoge’ (If you divide, you will be cut; if you stay united, you will remain virtuous).” This powerful rhyming slogan underscored his call for social unity and rejection of divisive politics, positioning his government as one committed to the welfare of all, irrespective of caste.

Government’s Commitment to Traders: Security, Respect, and Welfare

Reiterating the “double engine government’s” commitment (referring to the BJP governments at both the state and central levels), CM Adityanath assured the trading community of their security, respect, and welfare. He recognized traders as a crucial pillar of nation-building and economic progress.

In a significant announcement, the Chief Minister instructed the State Tax Department to annually honor the top 10 GST-paying traders at both the state level (in Lucknow) and district level (in each district). This initiative aims to recognize and incentivize tax compliance and honest business practices.

Furthermore, he announced a financial assistance of ₹10 lakh from the government to GST-paying traders who fall victim to accidents. This welfare measure highlights the government’s focus on providing a safety net for the business community.

Historical Examples of Philanthropy Beyond Caste

CM Adityanath also invoked historical examples to bolster his argument against caste-based divisions in charitable endeavors. He cited:

• The support provided by Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar of Mysore and Maharaja Ajit Singh of Khetri in sending Swami Vivekananda to the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago.
• The scholarship granted by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda to Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar for his studies abroad.

“Where was caste in the support extended to these great personalities?” the Chief Minister questioned rhetorically, emphasizing that these acts of philanthropy were driven by a “virtuous and positive spirit” (Satvik and Sakaratmak Bhav), transcending caste considerations. He concluded by asserting that his government prioritizes the safety and respect of both traders and daughters, underscoring a commitment to overall societal well-being.

Honoring Top Tax-Paying Traders

During the ceremony, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally honored several prominent traders who demonstrated excellence in tax contributions and social work during the financial year 2024-25. The recognized traders included:

• Rachna Garg
• Hemant Sharma
• Mohammad Javed Siddiqui
• Amit Nigam
• Ashok Kumar Gupta
• Nitesh Agarwal
• Pratish Kumar
• Rajesh Kumar Agrahari
• Dr. Mithilesh Agarwal
• Arvind Chaturvedi
• Amit Gupta
• Pushpadant Jain
• Dinesh Goyal
• Sahil Garg

This public recognition serves to reinforce the government’s appreciation for their economic contributions and their role as responsible corporate citizens. The event on Danveer Bhamashah Jayanti served as a platform to celebrate the spirit of giving and responsible wealth management, aligning it with the government’s vision for a prosperous and united Uttar Pradesh.