Defence Minister inaugurates ‘Nausena Shaurya Vatika’ in Lucknow

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday (May 30, 2026) in Lucknow jointly with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the ‘Nausena Shaurya Vatika’, an open-air naval museum. Mr. Singh described the museum as “a symbol of patriotism and military pride, showcasing the glorious tradition of the Indian Navy’s valour, bravery and service to the nation”.

“The Nausena Shaurya Vatika is not just a tourist spot, but a source of inspiration. It will tell future generations of the price paid by brave soldiers for the country’s freedom and security…It will also serve as a symbol of Lucknow. Through such initiatives, Lucknow is transforming into a beacon of patriotism and military pride, alongside its identity as a city rich in culture and tradition,” Mr. Singh said.

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The open-air facility is built on two acres of land near the Ekana cricket stadium. Nausena Shaurya Vatika has been developed as the second phase of the Nausena Shaurya Sangrahalaya, the Navy’s memorial museum.

Mr. Singh commended the Indian Navy for its pivotal role in ‘Operation Sindoor’. “The Navy played a crucial role in maintaining pressure on Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Our Navy was fully prepared and deployed in the Arabian Sea, consistently applying pressure on the adversary. Consequently, Pakistan’s entire Navy was restricted to its ports,” he said.

“This is not an ordinary tourist destination…it will encourage people to pause and reflect on the tremendous contributions of those who safeguard our daily lives,” he said.

Touching upon the rapid progress of Uttar Pradesh under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Mr. Singh said it was for everyone to see the way Uttar Pradesh is moving rapidly on the path of development today. “The State was once known for ‘goonda raj’ and poor law and order. People lived in fear and investors avoided coming to Uttar Pradesh. Investors believed that if they invested in the State, they would face trouble from criminals and anti-social elements. Today’s Uttar Pradesh has changed, and not just the people of the State but the whole country knows this. Uttar Pradesh is today known for ‘One District One Product’. This is the biggest change,” the Union Minister said, attributing the transformation to Mr. Adityanath’s strong leadership. “The way CM Yogi handled the law and order situation in the State is an example in itself. Making the law and order system strong in a State like Uttar Pradesh is not an ordinary task,” Mr. Singh said.

“When we are strong on the security front, the world too will extend friendship towards us. No one bows before the weak,” Mr. Adityanath said. “When we speak incompletely, it distorts the meaning, therefore we should learn to speak completely. India’s sage tradition inspires us with the saying, ‘Ahimsa Parmo Dharma, Dharma Hinsa Tathaiva Cha’, meaning, non-violence should be the highest duty in normal life, but if someone poses a threat to the security of the nation and society, then violence will ultimately have to be adopted against them. This is our duty towards the enemies of the nation, and the Indian armed forces fulfil it with full strength,” the U.P. CM said.