November 18, 2025 — Lucknow/Basti

An unusual and amusing incident took place in Basti, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday, when two top officials had to sprint to reach an event attended by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The event was a condolence meeting for the late Nanda Baba, a well-known religious figure in the region, who passed away on the night between November 3 and 4.

The officials involved were the District Magistrate, Kritika Jyotsna, and the Superintendent of Police, Abhinandan. As Adityanath’s helicopter approached the Sri Krishna Pandey Inter College grounds, where the event was to be held, the two senior officers were not yet on site. As the helicopter touched down, they were seen running along the road to catch up, with the district magistrate in a saree and the police chief in uniform, dashing ahead of their vehicles.

The sprinting scene was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media. Users humorously compared the officials to legendary sprinters like Usain Bolt and PT Usha, highlighting the unusual sight of government officers running at full speed in official attire. The video became a source of amusement, with many praising the officials’ dedication while poking fun at the unexpected situation.

The incident reflects the strict work culture promoted under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who is known for his disciplined and punctual approach to governance. After reaching the venue, the Chief Minister proceeded to Nanda Baba’s ashram at the South Gate of the grounds. He offered tributes to the late saint and interacted with the assembled religious figures and devotees who had gathered for the condolence meeting.

Nanda Baba had longstanding ties with the Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur, where Yogi Adityanath serves as the mahant, or chief priest. His passing was mourned widely across the region, and the condolence meeting in Basti drew a significant gathering of local saints and devotees.

The viral video of the sprinting officials has sparked laughter and light-hearted discussion online, while also underscoring the fast-paced demands placed on government officials in Uttar Pradesh. It is a rare moment where humor and official duties intersected, creating a memorable image of bureaucratic commitment meeting unexpected urgency.

Observers noted that while the dash was unexpected, it highlights the level of responsibility and dedication expected from officials attending high-profile events. The incident has since become a talking point, not only for its comedic aspect but also for showcasing the sometimes demanding nature of public service in the state.

Ultimately, the day in Basti combined respect for a revered spiritual leader with a viral moment that captured the attention of the wider public, blending solemnity with a touch of humor in the official corridors of Uttar Pradesh.

UP Officials Dash Like Sprinters to Reach Yogi Adityanath Event in Basti

A funny and unusual incident happened in Basti, Uttar Pradesh, when two top officials had to run to reach an event attended by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The event was a condolence meeting for the late Nanda Baba, a well-known religious leader.

The officials involved were District Magistrate Kritika Jyotsna and Superintendent of Police Abhinandan. As the Chief Minister’s helicopter landed at the Sri Krishna Pandey Inter College grounds, the two were not yet on site. They were seen sprinting along the road to catch up, with the magistrate in a saree and the police officer in uniform. The visuals quickly went viral on social media.

People online compared them to famous sprinters like Usain Bolt and PT Usha, and the video became a source of amusement. Many praised the officials for their dedication while joking about the unexpected sight of running in official attire.

After reaching the venue, Yogi Adityanath paid tribute to Nanda Baba and interacted with saints and devotees gathered for the meeting. The incident shows the strict work culture under Adityanath, but also gave everyone a light-hearted moment online.