Lucknow,

30 May (HS): Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, along with Uttar Pradesh

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, inaugurated the Navy Shaurya

Vatika, a Rs. nine-crore project built in Lucknow's CG City on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, the Defense Minister said Lucknow is becoming a

symbol of patriotism and military pride.

Addressing

the inauguration ceremony, Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that the

Naval Shaurya Vatika will become a place of inspiration and Lucknow's identity.

This Shaurya Vatika is not just a mere architectural masterpiece; it will

remind us of the struggles and contributions of the armed forces. The Defense

Minister announced that a submarine will also be located here. Please bring

your children and families here so they can become familiar with the military's

valour.

Rajnath

Singh said that India's defense sector was never known for exports. We used to

import weapons from abroad. Now India's defense sector is rapidly moving

towards self-reliance. Before 2014, India exported only defense components

worth Rs 1,000 crore. Now, we are exporting weapons worth Rs 40,000 crore to

other countries. He said that India will be called powerful only when we become

self-reliant in the manufacture of weapons. We are manufacturing

state-of-the-art weapons for the Indian Army in India itself.

The

Defense Minister stated that only a nation that respects its armed forces

commands global respect. He added that in today's fast-paced life, the

sacrifices and struggles of our soldiers are often left behind. Therefore,

through Shaurya Vatika, we can witness the bravery and valor of the armed

forces.

He

said that only our armed forces can provide us security. Our country is

surrounded by sea on three sides. Our economy and trade are linked to the

Indian Ocean. The Navy is responsible for maritime security. He said that the

Gomti River is the lifeline of Lucknow. Lucknow and the Gomti River share a

bond with our Navy. There is a warship named after it in our country. It was

commissioned into the Army in 1988. Praising Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath,

the Defense Minister said that Uttar Pradesh is achieving great heights in

every field. Uttar Pradesh is now flourishing, shining, and progressing

rapidly. The Defense Minister thanked Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his

support in the construction of Shaurya Vatika.

On

this occasion, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that anyone visiting Lucknow

can visit a center related to India's tradition, heritage, and security and

feel proud of it. In this series, the Naval Shaurya Vatika has been

established as a new center. He said that when Indian soldiers protect the

country in minus degree temperatures, in the scorching heat of the desert, and

in the face of sea waves, 1.4 billion Indians sleep peacefully.

Uttar

Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh stated that the Naval

Shaurya Vatika is a tribute site dedicated to the brave soldiers of the Indian

Navy. This museum will also foster patriotism and military pride among youth

and serve as a source of inspiration for future generations. Developed jointly

by the Indian Navy and the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, this project is

designed as a state-of-the-art open-air museum and interpretation center.

Visitors to this museum will take pride in the Navy's duty and valor.

This

will be special for the audience: The Naval Shaurya Vatika will feature the

retired Indian Navy warship INS Gomti, which will be the main attraction. The

warship was decommissioned on May 28, 2022. The exhibits include the AK-726

medium-range gun, the CET-53M anti-submarine missile, the JIF-101 launcher with

RJ, the capstan drum, the main mast, and the ship's propeller.

Visitors

to the Naval Shaurya Vatika will gain a comprehensive understanding of the

Indian Navy's history, combat operations, technical prowess, and maritime

security. The site will also play a vital role in fostering patriotism and an

appreciation for the defense services among children and youth.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi