Yogi Adityanath

A life dedicated to social and political change

Yogi Adityanath is an Indian politician, who has dedicated his life to the betterment of the weaker sections of the society, through social and political change. He is also the ‘Mahant’ (Head Priest) of the Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur, a city located in the eastern part of the state of Uttar Pradesh. He has been elected as a Member of Parliament (MP), Lok Sabha, from Gorakhpur for 5 consecutive terms, something that showcases his immense popularity among the general populace.

Yogi Adityanath could have lived a life of comfort, but he chose to take the road less travelled and dedicated his life to help those in need. As an MP, who is primarily a people’s representative, he has worked for resolving various issues related to education, health, farming, housing, infrastructure, and basic necessities such as electricity and water. In his role as a spiritual leader, he has worked towards curbing the rise of Jihadi fundamentalism, religious conversions influenced by monetary gains, Maoist violence, and cow slaughter. Yogi Adityanath has also played a key role in reducing corruption and crime and eliminating discriminatory stereotypes from the society.

Early Life and Education

Yogi Adityanath was born on June 5, 1972 in Panchur, district PauriGarhwal, Uttarakhand. His father’s name is ShriMahantAvaidyanathjiMaharaj, who was the Head Priest of Gorakhnath Temple before Yogi Adityanath. Yogi Adityanath completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Science from H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand. With his spiritual lineage, Yogi Adityanath was convinced from an early age that he will work towards the betterment of the masses. He was named as the successor to the position of the Head Priest of Gorakhnath Temple in 1994.

Political Career

As Yogi Adityanath witnessed the various ills affecting the society, he felt that joining the political mainstream would be the best way to bring about social and political change. Based on the recommendations of his revered guru and also the voice of his supporters, he decided to contest the 1998 Lok Sabha elections. He won comfortably and made history, as he was the youngest (26 years age) Member of Parliament in that particular Lok Sabha.

1998 – Elected MP, 12th Lok Sabha – First Term

• Member, Committee on Food, Civil Supplies and Public Distribution and its Sub-Committee-B on Department of Sugar and Edible Oils
• Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Home Affairs

1999 – Elected MP, 13th Lok Sabha – Second Term

• Member, Committee on Food, Civil Supplies and Public Distribution
• Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Home Affairs

2004 – Elected MP, 14th Lok Sabha – Third Term

• Member, Committee on Government Assurances
• Member, Committee on External Affairs
• Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Home Affairs
• Member, Ministry of Rural Development

2009 – Elected MP, 15th Lok Sabha – Fourth Term

• Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Home Affairs
• Member, Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture

2014 – Elected MP, 16th Lok Sabha – Fifth Term

• Chairman, Joint Committee for Salaries, allowances and pension
• Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Home Affairs
• Member, Parliamentary Standing Committee for Road Transport, Tourism and Culture
• Member, Parliamentary committee for Public Sector Undertakings

Personal Pursuits

Yogi Adityanath has interests in gardening, religious discourses, bhajans and touring religious spots. In sports, he likes badminton and swimming. He is also a writer and has authored several books.