UP government launches a new UK scholarship scheme for 5 students annually, dedicated to Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary.
On the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a significant new initiative aimed at honouring Vajpayee’s legacy while empowering the youth of the state. The UP government has approved a prestigious scholarship scheme under which five students will be selected every year to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom, with the cost being shared equally by the British government and the UP government.
The announcement was made in Lucknow during a tribute programme dedicated to Vajpayee, who remains one of India’s most respected leaders and was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his immense contribution to the nation.
A Scholarship to Inspire Future Leaders
The scheme has been named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee to keep alive his vision for education, development, and India’s global standing. Describing the initiative, CM Yogi said, “The UP cabinet has decided to select five students every year for scholarships to Britain. The British government will bear half the expenses, while the UP government will cover the other half. This scholarship is regarded as a prestigious one in Britain, and we have chosen to dedicate it to Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji.”
Through this collaboration, the UP government hopes to not only provide global opportunities for meritorious students but also strengthen cultural and educational ties with the UK. The scholarship is seen as an opportunity for young minds to gain exposure, develop advanced skills, and return to contribute to India’s growth.
Honouring Vajpayee’s Legacy
The scholarship announcement was not just a policy decision but also a symbolic tribute to Vajpayee’s ideals and statesmanship. CM Yogi, while offering floral tributes at Vajpayee’s statue in Lok Bhawan, highlighted how the former Prime Minister’s six-decade-long political journey transformed Indian politics.
He remembered Vajpayee as a leader who championed development, safeguarded India’s cultural ethos, and ensured the nation’s honour on the world stage. “Atal Ji upheld India’s core values, gave new direction to politics, and presented Bhartiyata with pride across the globe,” the Chief Minister said.
The move to link a global education opportunity with Vajpayee’s name reflects the UP government’s attempt to inspire students with the ideals of service, integrity, and nation-building that Vajpayee stood for.
Remembering Other Icons of Courage
The ceremony also coincided with the birth anniversary of freedom fighter and warrior queen Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi. CM Yogi, along with other leaders including Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, BJP State President Bhupendra Singh Patel, Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, and Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, offered floral tributes to the 19th-century warrior who fought against British rule.
The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to honouring women’s contributions to India’s history. He announced that the UP government is moving forward with plans to install a statue of Veerangana Avanti Bai Lodhi, recognising her sacrifice and bravery as an inspiration for generations. “The struggle and sacrifice of this great warrior will forever remain a guiding light. Uttar Pradesh has always respected women’s power, and the government is taking steps to honour that legacy,” he said.
A Broader Vision for Youth and Society
The newly launched scholarship scheme is part of the state’s wider effort to invest in the youth and provide them with opportunities that go beyond conventional education. By enabling students to study in the UK under a globally recognised programme, the state hopes to produce leaders who embody Vajpayee’s spirit of vision, courage, and service.
Educationists and political observers see this as more than a symbolic gesture. For students in Uttar Pradesh, particularly those from modest backgrounds, this scholarship could open doors to advanced studies, international exposure, and careers that may otherwise remain out of reach. By sharing costs with the UK government, UP Government is also ensuring that the scheme is sustainable and aligned with international standards.
At a deeper level, the announcement reflects the way governments use education as a bridge—between history and the future, between the legacy of past leaders and the aspirations of today’s youth. By linking the scholarship to Vajpayee’s memory, the initiative ties personal development to national pride.
Looking Ahead
The launch of this scholarship scheme highlights the UP government’s dual commitment: preserving the memory of India’s great leaders and investing in the potential of its young citizens. The fact that it was announced on Vajpayee’s death anniversary adds emotional weight, signalling that his ideals continue to shape policy decisions.
As five deserving students prepare to embark on this journey each year, the scheme carries the hope that they will return not just as graduates of a British institution, but as ambassadors of Vajpayee’s legacy—youth equipped to uphold democracy, development, and India’s cultural ethos on the global stage.
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