LUCKNOW, March 8 -- What Uttar Pradesh is able to achieve today is rooted in the vision of Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, UP's first chief minister, said chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday. While paying tribute to former Union home minister and first chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, 'Bharat Ratna' Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant on his death anniversary, the CM said, "The foundation for development he (Govind Ballabh Pant) laid, and the vision he gave for development, the state is following and UP has become a strong pillar of Indian economy. The works of Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant continue to inspire and guide us even today." The chief minister offered floral tributes at his statue located at Lok Bhavan. The chief minister said, "Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant was born in present-day Uttarakhand, which at that time was part of the United Provinces. He left his legal practice and joined the freedom struggle. When the country was under British rule, he was chosen as the Premier of the United Provinces in 1937." CM Yogi said, "As chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Pant laid the foundation of development and presented a vision that continues to guide the state." The CM added, "As Union home minister, Pant rendered invaluable services to the nation. He also played an important role in promoting and expanding the use of Hindi as the official language. In recognition of his invaluable contribution to India's freedom and his distinguished service to UP and the nation, he was awarded the 'Bharat Ratna' in 1957."...