Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Navy Memorial Museum, Nosena Shaurya Vatika, in his parliamentary constituency on Saturday and said it is a symbol of patriotism and military pride, showcasing the glorious tradition of Indian Navy’s valor, courage and service to the nation.
Built on two acres near the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Vatika is dedicated to the valor, indomitable courage and modern technical proficiency of the Indian maritime frontier. It has been developed as the second phase of the Nausena Shaurya Sangrahalaya Naval Memorial Museum.
The Defense Minister noted that the Indian Navy played a crucial role in securing the country’s maritime borders and protecting national interests. He praised the courage and commitment of the naval personnel and said such memorials help convey the country’s military history to every citizen.
He announced that a submarine would soon be installed at the Naval Memorial as well.
Addressing the event, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the tanks that helped the Indian Army win wars should be installed at important intersections across the state. He said they would inspire the youth and increase respect for the army and soldiers among the people.
“Anyone visiting Lucknow can tour and feel proud of the centers associated with India’s traditions, heritage and security. Nausina Shaurya Vatika has been established as a new center in this series,” he said.
He added that the INS Gomti served Indian maritime security for a long time and was decommissioned from the Navy in 2022. It has now been installed on the banks of the Gomti River, the lifeline of Lucknow. The website will provide the youth of the state and the country with information about the Indian Navy and inspire them to face life’s challenges.
Amid the global crisis caused by unrest in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing conflict between Iran, the US and Israel, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi said that India’s economic progress and future development depend on the seas. He said that the Indian Navy ensures safe passage of sea routes.
Citing the reasons for setting up a maritime museum in a landlocked state like Uttar Pradesh, Admiral Tripathi said: “First, centuries ago, even before trains, the region remained connected to the sea. Rivers like the Ganges and Gomti connected this region to the sea. Second, ships were built using timber from the forests of UP.”
“Thirdly, even today, the maximum number of officers, sailors and soldiers in the Indian Navy comes from Uttar Pradesh. The state also has the highest number of war veterans. So does the Gomti River. Although the sea is far from Uttar Pradesh, the state has never been far from the sea,” he added.
The equipment from INS Gomti installed at Nausena Shaurya Vatika came from a warship built at Mazgaon Dockyard in Mumbai, the Admiral added.
