Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Nausena Shaurya Vatika in Lucknow on Saturday, describing it as a symbol of India's military heritage that will inspire young people to respect the armed forces and contribute to nation-building. The park, developed at a cost of Rs 19 crore by the state government with assistance from the Indian Navy, includes a naval-themed memorial and museum.
A New Center for Heritage and Security
Addressing the gathering after the inauguration, the chief minister stated that the attraction will become a new center showcasing India's traditions, heritage, and security capabilities. Visitors to Lucknow can now learn about the country's military achievements and feel a sense of pride in India's rich legacy, he added.
Adityanath highlighted that INS Gomti, which served the Indian Navy for many years safeguarding the nation's maritime interests, was decommissioned in 2022 and has now been repurposed at the banks of the Gomti River in Lucknow. The initiative reflects visionary thinking and will provide valuable information about the Indian Navy and the challenges faced by military personnel under difficult conditions, the CM said.
Motivating the Youth
The museum would motivate young people to face challenges in their own lives while learning about the sacrifices and dedication of India's soldiers, Adityanath added. Linking the project to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India, he recalled the PM's call for citizens to adopt the Panch Pran, or five national pledges. Among them, he said, is the need to maintain respect for the armed forces and uniformed services.
Indian soldiers protect the nation in extreme weather conditions, whether in freezing temperatures along the borders, scorching deserts, or challenging maritime environments, enabling citizens to live peacefully and contribute to the country's development, the CM noted.
Security and Development
The chief minister further asserted that development could progress effectively only in a secure environment. Drawing a comparison with the period before 2017, he said Uttar Pradesh had faced frequent disturbances and criminal activity that discouraged investment and hindered development. Improved security has helped create a favorable atmosphere for growth, he added.
Adityanath thanked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and their teams for completing the project within the stipulated timeline. The museum would offer visitors an opportunity to understand the courage, valor, and achievements of the Indian Navy, the CM said. He also suggested displaying decommissioned military tanks and equipment at important intersections across the state to promote awareness about the armed forces and inspire patriotism among citizens.
