LUCKNOW, Jan. 9 -- India's democratic consciousness, historical unity, and thousands of years of cultural heritage have been presented through authentic evidence, while also providing a factual rebuttal to long-standing Western misinformation through the book 'Early North India and Its Coinage', said chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday. He was speaking at the launch of a book written by historian and numismatist Devendra Handa and published by Hinduja Foundation, in the auditorium at his residence. He said that India has always given primacy to evidence rooted in its Sanatan culture and history. "The book documents coins made of copper, silver, and mixed metals from regions such as Ayodhya, Mathura, Kaushambi, Kashi, and Panchala, which authenticate the historical, geographical, and trade conditions of their times. India has always presented its case with facts and evidence, while Western nations attempted to distort history by claiming democracy as their own contribution," said Yogi. He said India was the first to introduce a scientific system of weights and measures. Units such as 'masha' and 'tola'. Tola is still in use today, especially in weighing metals and gold. "The standards used in ancient coins were also based on this scientific system, reflecting India's advanced intellectual tradition," Yogi added. He said that anyone who wishes to understand democracy must learn from India, asserting that the country has upheld its democratic consciousness, unity and civilisational values for thousands of years through authentic historical evidence. "PM Narendra Modi had stated during the G-20 Summit that India is not only the world's largest democracy but also the mother of democracy. The proof of this lies in Vaishali, which was among the world's earliest republics. Prime Minister Modi's Vision 2047, with its five pledges and eleven resolutions, connects every Indian. The very first pledge is to take pride in India's heritage," he added. The CM also said that there is hardly any community, sect, or faith in the world that India has not helped or given refuge to, enabling them to prosper. "Bharatvarsha historically included present-day Pakistan and Bangladesh as well. Those who forget this thousands-of-years-old heritage are ones who question India's unity," said Yogi. Ashok Parmanand Hinduja of the Hinduja Group said the time has come for India to present its Sanatan culture to the world through scientific research and evidence. Praising the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, he expressed confidence in further investments in UP. Group trustee Prakash Parmanand Hinduja, tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh and members of the Hinduja family were present on the occasion....