GORAKHPUR, Dec. 5 -- Emphasising that a nation loses its unity and identity the moment its culture begins to erode, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said that culture remains the foundation of nation-building. "In times of crisis, the courage and sacrifices of great leaders -- from Maharana Pratap and Chhatrapati Shivaji to Guru Gobind Singh and Rani Lakshmibai -- serve as sources of renewed national strength," Adityanath said while addressing the inaugural ceremony of Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad Founder's Week. The event was formally inaugurated by Lt Gen (retd) Yogendra Dimri, vice-chairman of the UP State Disaster Management Authority. "India's heritage has been enriched by timeless values and historic events celebrated through festivals which help remove differences and embody the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'," said the chief minister, who also paid tributes to the late prof UP Singh and other former chairpersons of the Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad. On the Founder's Week, which begins with 'Anushasan Parv', Adityanath said the celebration offers opportunities for institutions to learn, reflect, and teach one another. He urged all institutions under the Parishad to begin preparations for its centenary celebrations, six years from now. "This ceremony is a chance to reflect on how we have contributed to the holistic development of students and the nation," he said. Highlighted the Parishad's contributions beyond education, Adityanath said: "Founded in 1932 by Mahant Digvijay Nath, the Maharana Pratap Shiksha Parishad has strengthened fields such as health, agriculture, and technology through institutions like the Maharana Pratap Institute of Technology, Maharana Pratap Polytechnic, and Mahayogi Gorakhnath Krishi Vigyan Kendra. These institutions are empowering women's education, enhancing farmer training, and launching new initiatives in remote areas." "In Indian culture, no human being is considered unworthy. If someone appears unworthy, it simply means they lack proper guidance. Illiteracy and lack of training weaken the foundation of an educated society," he said. Referring to the release of the research journal 'Digvijayam and Mission Manjhariya', the chief minister praised Maharana Pratap PG College for adopting villages and working towards 100% literacy. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of a programme organised by MP Educational Council on Thursday, CM Yogi said 'Panch Pran' is an eternal and guiding principle for nation-building, expressing confidence that India would emerge as a self-reliant and fully developed nation by 2047....