GORAKHPUR, Oct. 19 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday called for an end to social evils such as corruption, drug abuse and terrorism, while stressing that women's safety, dignity and empowerment must remain central to society. He said the festivals of Navratri and Vijayadashami offered an opportunity to overcome personal and social evils and uphold the values of truth and righteousness.

Extending greetings on Maha Navami of Sharadiya Navratri and ahead of Vijayadashami (Dussehra), which will be celebrated on Tuesday, Adityanath said the festivals conveyed the message of eliminating social evils while safeguarding the nation's unity and strength.

He urged people to take the message of Navratri and Vijayadashami to every househol...