Defense Minister inaugurates ‘Nausena Shaurya Vatika’ in Lucknow

Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said the Indian Navy had forced the entire Pakistan Navy to remain confined to its ports during Operation Sindoor. File | Photo credit: PTI

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

“Nausena Shaurya Vatika is not just a tourist spot but a source of inspiration. It will tell future generations about 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 being transformed into a beacon of patriotism and military pride, besides its identity as a city rich in culture and tradition,” said Mr. Singh.

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The open-air facility is built on two acres of land near the Ekana Cricket Stadium. Nausena Shaurya Vatika was developed as the second phase of Nausena Shaurya Sangrahalaya, a Navy Memorial Museum.

Mr. Singh praised the Indian Navy for its key role in “Operation Sindoor”. “The Navy played a key role in maintaining pressure on Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Our Navy was fully prepared and deployed in the Arabian Sea and consistently put pressure on the adversary. As a result, the entire Pakistan Navy was confined to its ports,” he said.

“This is no ordinary tourist destination…it will encourage people to stop and think about the enormous contribution of those who protect our everyday lives,” he said.

Touching on the rapid progress of Uttar Pradesh under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Mr. Singh said it is for everyone to see how Uttar Pradesh is moving fast on the path of development today. “The state was once known for ‘goonda raj’ and bad 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 only the people of the state but the entire country knows it.” Today, it is the biggest change of Uttar Pradesh. The Union Minister said, attributing the transformation to Mr. Adityanath’s strong leadership. “The way CM Yogi has handled the law and order situation in the state is an example in itself. Strengthening the law and order system in a state like Uttar Pradesh is not an ordinary task,” Mr. Singh said.

“When we are strong on the security front, the world will also extend friendship to us. No one bows down to the weak,” Mr Adityanath said. “When we speak incompletely, it distorts the meaning and therefore we should learn to speak fully. The Indian sage tradition inspires us with the saying, ‘Ahimsa Parmo Dharma, Dharma Hinsa Tathaiva Cha’, which means non-violence should be the highest duty in normal life, but if someone poses a threat to the security of the nation and society towards them, then our ultimate duty is to accept violence against them. Indian Armed Forces fulfill this in full force,” the UP CM said.

Published – 30 May 2026 15:25 IST