State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 02 Jul 2025

Uttar Pradesh's First AYUSH University

Why in News? 

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Uttar Pradesh’s first AYUSH University, named Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath AYUSH University, in Gorakhpur. 

• The President highlighted the spiritual and historical legacy of the region, stating that it is also the birthplace of Paramhansa Yogananda.

Key Points 

• Spiritual and Historical Legacy of Gorakhpur: 
  • The Nath Tradition: 
    • The Nath tradition, rooted in the teachings of Shri Adinath, Matsyendranath, and Guru Gorakhnath, traces its origins to Gorakhpur. 
    • Over time, this spiritual lineage has spread across India and reached several countries worldwide, influencing diverse yogic and ascetic practices. 
  • Role in India’s Freedom Struggles: 
    • Gorakhpur holds not just spiritual significance but also a deep historical connection to India's freedom movements. 
    • From monk-led uprisings in the 18th century to the Revolt of 1857- First War of Independence, this region has been a centre of resistance. 
    • The sacrifices of freedom fighters like Babu Bandhu Singh and Ram Prasad Bismil are closely linked to this sacred land, highlighting its legacy of courage and patriotism. 
• About Guru Gorakhnath: 
  • Gorakhnath, who likely flourished around the 11th century CE, is regarded as a revered Hindu yogi and the spiritual founder of the Kanphata yogis, a sect of ascetics known for practising Hatha Yoga. 
    • The Kanphata yogis emphasise both physical discipline and spiritual mastery, aligning with the principles of Hatha Yoga. 
  • Hatha Yoga, associated closely with Gorakhnath’s teachings, is a philosophical and spiritual system that uses control over the body as a path to spiritual perfection. 
    • This school of thought blends asceticism with intense yogic discipline, marking a departure from ritualistic or purely devotional practices. 

Paramhansa Yogananda 

• About: 
  • Paramhansa Yogananda (1893–1952) was the first Indian yoga master to establish permanent residence in the Western world. 
  • He played a pivotal role in introducing Indian spiritual philosophy to Western audiences in the early 20th century. 
• A Lasting Spiritual Legacy: 
  • While his early presence in the West had a remarkable cultural impact, Yogananda's enduring legacy lies in the spiritual awakening he inspired. 
  • He continued to lecture and write actively until his death in 1952, promoting a blend of Kriya Yoga, meditation, and universal spirituality. 
  • His seminal work, Autobiography of a Yogi, published in 1946, sparked a spiritual revolution in the West. 

NAVYA Initiative Launched in UP

Why in News? 

NAVYA – Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls was launched in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh to empower adolescent girls.

Key Points 

• NAVYA Initiative for Empowerment: 
  • NAVYA is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Ministry of Women and Child Development. 
    • It will be implemented across 27 aspirational districts in 19 states, ensuring that marginalised and underserved regions are prioritised. 
  • It is a pilot initiative aimed at equipping adolescent girls aged 16–18 years with a minimum qualification of Class 10, with vocational training mainly in non-traditional job roles. 
    • It aligns with the  Viksit Bharat@2047 vision and promotes women-led development and reinforces the Government’s commitment to building a skilled, self-reliant, and inclusive workforce, positioning young girls as agents of socio-economic transformation. 
  • The programme will draw upon schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and other flagship skill development schemes. 

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 

• The Skill India Mission was launched by the Government in 2015, under which the flagship scheme PMKVY is implemented. 
• It aims at vocational training and certification of Indian youth for a better livelihood and respect in society. 
• PMKVY is implemented by the National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC) under the guidance of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).