Lucknow, May 30:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath jointly inaugurated ‘Nausena Shaurya Vatika’, an open-air naval museum in Lucknow on Friday. Developed at a cost of ₹19 crore over more than two acres, the park showcases artefacts and weapon systems of the decommissioned warship INS Gomati and celebrates the valour and legacy of the Indian Navy.
Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh said the Nausena Shaurya Vatika is not merely a tourist attraction but a source of inspiration for future generations, reminding them of the sacrifices made by the armed forces in safeguarding the nation.
“It is not just an architectural structure; it rekindles our gratitude towards soldiers and inspires youth towards nation-building,” he said.
The Defence Minister praised the Indian Navy’s operational readiness and highlighted its contribution during Operation Sindoor. He said the Navy’s strong presence in the Arabian Sea played a crucial role in deterring the adversary.
“Our Navy’s formidable posture in the Arabian Sea instilled a constant sense of fear in the mind of the adversary. As a result, the Pakistan Navy remained confined to its ports,” Rajnath Singh said.
Emphasising the government’s focus on military modernisation and self-reliance, he said India’s growing defence strength is the result of sustained efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that initiatives such as Make in India, Defence Industrial Corridors, iDEX, and ADITI are helping India manufacture advanced defence equipment domestically and export them to friendly nations.
Rajnath Singh stated that India’s defence production has increased from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to over ₹1.51 lakh crore and is expected to reach ₹1.75 lakh crore soon. Defence exports have also risen significantly from less than ₹1,000 crore in 2014 to around ₹40,000 crore.
Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s contribution to the defence sector, he said the state’s Defence Industrial Corridor is strengthening the country’s defence manufacturing ecosystem while also making progress in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, science and technology, infrastructure, and commerce.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid tribute to the armed forces and said the security provided by soldiers enables the nation’s development. He added that respect and welfare of defence personnel remain central to the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, along with senior civil and military officials, were present at the inauguration ceremony.
About Nausena Shaurya Vatika
The museum displays several important naval artefacts from INS Gomati, including the AK-726 naval gun, missile launchers, radar systems, torpedo launchers, anchors and ship masts. It also features a walkthrough museum of the retired TU-142M long-range maritime patrol aircraft. Visitor amenities include a food court, souvenir shop and advanced lighting and sound systems.
About INS Gomati
Commissioned on April 16, 1988, INS Gomati was the third ship of the Godavari-class guided missile frigates and one of the oldest warships of the Western Fleet at the time of its decommissioning in 2022. During its distinguished service, the warship participated in Operations Cactus, Parakram and Rainbow, besides numerous bilateral and multinational naval exercises. It received the prestigious Unit Citation twice for its outstanding contribution to maritime security.
