LUCKNOW, Oct. 14 -- Expressing concern over the influence of smartphones and social media, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said reading books was a better option.

He made the remark at the launch of the Hindi edition of former President Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography, 'Bharatiya Ganarajya Ki Vijay Gatha: Mera Jeevan, Mera Sangharsh' (Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles) in Lucknow.

He described Kovind's life as an inspiring journey from deprivation and struggle to the country's highest constitutional office.

Commenting on social media's influence, Adityanath said, "People spend five to seven hours solely on smartphones and social media platforms. If they could save one or two hours and devote that time to...