Kumar Bahukhandi
“Visit Grandma’s House, Put Down Your Mobiles, and Make Your Vacation Plastic-Free”: CM Yogi Writes to Children-Photo Credit – Samvad News Agency (UP)
As summer vacations begin in schools across Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has penned a deeply heartfelt open letter addressed to the children. ‘Yogi Uncle’ has made a significant appeal to the children to stay away from mobile screens and ‘Reels’ during these holidays, to visit their grandparents’ homes to imbibe traditional values, and to make this vacation entirely ‘plastic-free.’
Lucknow: With the commencement of summer holidays in Uttar Pradesh schools, the state’s Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, has emerged in a distinctly different and sensitive avatar.
Addressing the children as their ‘Yogi Uncle,’ he shared a deeply emotional and inspiring open letter today—May 25, 2026—on the social media platform X, addressed to the state’s schoolchildren and their parents. Titled ‘Yogi Ki Paati’ (Yogi’s Letter), the missive conveys a firm yet affectionate message urging children to distance themselves from mobile screens, reconnect with traditional values, and ensure their holidays are completely ‘plastic-free.’
“My Dear Children… Befriend Books, Learn a New Language”
Addressing the children, the Chief Minister wrote that this vacation—granted after the hectic school routine and examinations—is not merely a time to sit idle, but rather an opportunity to explore something new. CM Yogi wrote:
“My dear children, the summer holidays bring with them a time of joy, excitement, and new discoveries for all of you. As soon as you find respite from your busy routines, the mind naturally becomes eager to learn something new. This is the time to identify your interests, befriend good books, and cultivate hobbies such as photography, painting, cooking, music, and gardening.”
He made a special appeal to teenagers and the youth to utilize this leisure time to learn a new language or to engage in the process of acquiring a new skill.
Appeal to Parents: ‘Take Children to Their Grandparents’ Homes’
In the second part of his letter, Chief Minister Yogi directly addressed parents, highlighting a significant shortcoming of the current digital era. He noted that today’s children are becoming increasingly disconnected from the stories told by their grandparents.
Connecting with Values: The Chief Minister urged parents to ensure they take their children to visit their maternal and paternal grandparents during these holidays. This would allow the children to spend quality time with their families and gain a firsthand understanding of our family values, culture, and traditions.
Befriending Nature: He appealed to parents to teach their children about the importance of soil, water, and trees. He suggested having the children plant saplings with their own hands and entrusting them with the responsibility of nurturing and caring for those plants.
Make the Holidays ‘Plastic-Free’
Placing special emphasis on environmental conservation, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called upon the entire state to undertake a significant pledge. He wrote:
‘I appeal to all of you to resolve to make these holidays completely ‘plastic-free.’ Wherever you travel or go for a picnic, always use cloth or jute bags. Do not litter with plastic waste anywhere. These small efforts made today will serve as the foundation for major changes in the future.’
The Chief Minister also suggested taking children to natural sites such as Dudhwa National Park, Chuka Beach, and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary to introduce them to the natural wealth of Uttar Pradesh.
