Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday flagged off the 'Run for G-20 Walkathon' organised in four cities of Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Agra, Varanasi, and Gautam Buddha Nagar simultaneously, from his residence to spread mass awareness about the G-20 Summit to be held from February.

In an address on the occasion, the CM said UP has got the opportunity to host the G-20 conference. We have got an opportunity to promote the state's image, its culture, food and digital UP globally through this conference," he said.

He said with the motto of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and the resolution of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' the G-20 conference is being organised in India this year.

"A total of 11 meetings will be held in UP on different days of the G-20 conference. An array of programmes are being organised in the state on a large scale in view of the G-20 conference from today, including among others a walkathon and a mini marathon," he said.

Emphasising that the programmes are aimed at ensuring public participation in the event, Yogi congratulated the participants, including public representatives and administrative officials, in the four districts.

"As the country celebrates Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav with enthusiasm, we can see ourselves making great achievements. The world accepts today that in this era of global crisis, India and PM Modi are the only leaders that can rescue and revive the world," he said.

Stating that Indian sages always talked about considering the whole world as one family (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam), the CM said, "Today it is a matter of pride for us that India has got the leadership of this G-20 and UP has got the opportunity to host it."

He said today the world is looking toward India with enthusiasm.

"Keeping in mind the spirit of One Earth, One Family, One Future, the opportunity has arisen for UP to put the teachings of Indian gurus into practice," he said.

Yogi said, "This event will be attended by representatives from 20 major countries around the world, as well as representatives from nine friendly countries. It will be a matter of pleasure for us that, along with hospitality service, we are getting the opportunity to showcase the new heights of development that the country has touched. The event will take place in Lucknow from February 13 to 15. We will get an opportunity to showcase the competence that UP has achieved in the field of technology in recent times. We need to set an excellent example of 'Atithi Devo Bhava'."

The CM said the month of February is very important for the state.

"UP is gearing up to host the Global Investors Summit from February 10 to 12. Every big investor and entrepreneur from all over the world and country will come here and try to associate themselves with the prosperity and potential of the state. More than 10,000 entrepreneurs will visit the state to take part in the event," he said.

He said after this, between February 13 and 15, representatives of the G-20 will come from different sectors and Lucknow will get the opportunity to welcome them.

The CM said, "UP will celebrate its foundation day on January 24. Every district should be associated with these programs. Your talents should be encouraged. Those who have done anything new in every field of life should be given a platform to move forward. A series of programs will start from the foundation day and continue till February 15. All the events of the G-20 conference will continue till August."

Meanwhile, the CM laid the foundation stone of G-20 Multipurpose Sports Hall at KD Singh Babu Stadium to be built at a cost of Rs 519 lakhs.

On this occasion, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak handed over the flag bearing the G-20 logo to the CM.

Sportspersons, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, civil defence, sports teachers of Basic Shiksha Parishad, Nehru Yuva Kendra and Prantiya Raksha Dal jawans, NDRF and PAC band members participated in the walkathon.

(With UNI inputs)