UP Governor Highlights Cooking Skills, Maternal Health

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has emphasised the importance of practical life skills, maternal health awareness and healthy living among students. She said education should go beyond academic achievements and prepare young people to lead responsible, healthy and socially conscious lives.

The Governor shared these views during an interaction with a delegation of students from Kerala visiting Uttar Pradesh under the Yuva Sangam initiative on Monday, October 26, 2026.

The delegation participated in a welcome ceremony and a tree-planting programme at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus. During their visit, the students also explored Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Sarnath and other historical locations. Their itinerary included visits to Ayodhya Dham, Prayagraj and Vindhyachal Dham to experience Uttar Pradesh’s cultural, spiritual and historical heritage.

Governor stresses importance of cooking and practical life skills

Patel highlighted cooking as an essential life skill that everyone should learn. She emphasised that education must equip students with practical knowledge that helps them become self-reliant and manage everyday responsibilities.

According to the report, the Governor also encouraged students to develop healthy routines from an early age. She stressed that learning should extend beyond textbooks and examinations to include discipline, good values and an understanding of individual responsibilities towards families and society.

Maternal health and nutrition awareness highlighted

The Governor also drew attention to the importance of awareness about women's health, maternal care and child development.

She underlined the need to educate people about balanced nutrition during pregnancy, appropriate childcare practices and healthy lifestyles. Her remarks highlighted the role of awareness and informed choices in supporting maternal and child well-being.

The emphasis on nutrition and adolescent health also aligns with the broader objectives of public health initiatives. The Uttar Pradesh National Health Mission, for example, identifies improved nutrition and awareness of sexual and reproductive health as important components of its adolescent health strategy.

Students encouraged to read and pursue their goals

Patel encouraged students to visit libraries regularly and cultivate a habit of reading good books. She also urged them to maintain a constructive outlook, remain focused on their ambitions and avoid influences that could distract them from their goals.

She highlighted the importance of family values, respect for parents and social responsibility, encouraging young people to use their education and skills for the wider benefit of society.

The Governor further stressed that young people have an important role in building a developed India. She called on students to contribute to national progress through knowledge, discipline, positive attitudes and active participation in society.

What is the Yuva Sangam initiative?

Yuva Sangam is a youth exchange programme launched under the Government of India's Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative. It provides young people with opportunities to experience the culture, traditions, educational institutions and developmental activities of other states and Union Territories.

According to the Ministry of Education, the programme focuses on five broad areas: tourism (Paryatan), traditions (Parampara), development (Pragati), people-to-people connections (Paraspar Sampark) and technology (Prodyogiki).

The initiative aims to promote national integration, cultural understanding and experiential learning by allowing participants to interact with people from different regions of the country.