Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath jointly inaugurated Nausena Shaurya Vatika in Lucknow on Saturday, 30 May, with the open-air display museum dedicated to the valour, spirit and operational legacy of the Indian Navy.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said the museum has been built at a cost of ₹19 crore over more than 2 acres.
It showcases artefacts and weapon systems from INS Gomati, which was decommissioned on 29 May 2022 after 34 years of service.
Speaking at the inauguration, Singh described Nausena Shaurya Vatika as not only a tourist attraction, but also a symbol of inspiration that would remind future generations of the true cost of freedom and security.
“It is not just an architectural design or a product of structural craftsmanship; it rekindles the sense of gratitude we hold for our soldiers. The idea is to awaken the zeal for nation-building among our youth,” Singh said.
The Defence Minister said the park would serve as a constant reminder of the nation’s safety and security, safeguarded through the valour and sacrifices of its bravehearts.
Nausena Shaurya Vatika displays several naval systems and artefacts, including an AK 726 naval gun installed onboard a naval warship, a ZIF 101 launcher for surface-to-air missiles, surface-to-surface anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles, a ship radar, a torpedo launcher, anchors, ship masts and other artefacts from INS Gomati.
The park also features a walkthrough museum of the TU 142M, a long-range maritime patrol aircraft that is no longer in service.
It has been built under Phase-II of Nausena Shaurya Sangrahalaya and includes visitor amenities such as a food court, souvenir shop and advanced lighting and sound system.
Singh also praised the Indian Navy’s robust presence and operational readiness at sea, saying secure maritime routes are key to global peace and prosperity amid present geopolitical turmoil.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, Singh said the Indian Navy made an exceptional contribution alongside the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.
“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,” he said.
The Defence Minister said the government is giving special emphasis to making India secure and prosperous through a strong military and a self-reliant defence industry.
He said India can truly be considered powerful when its defence forces do not have to depend on other countries for weapons.
Singh said initiatives such as Make-in-India, Defence Industrial Corridors, Innovations for Defence Excellence and ADITI are helping India manufacture advanced weapons domestically and export them to friendly countries.
He said domestic defence production, which stood at ₹46,000 crore in 2014, has risen to more than ₹1.51 lakh crore and is expected to touch ₹1.75 lakh crore. Defence exports have increased from less than ₹1,000 crore in 2014 to around ₹40,000 crore, he added.
Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s role, Singh said the Defence Industrial Corridor is strengthening the defence manufacturing ecosystem in the state.
He said soldiers from Uttar Pradesh continue to stand with personnel from across the country to protect national interests.
In his address, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid homage to India’s soldiers and said their protection allows every citizen to sleep peacefully.
He said development plans can move forward only in a secure and strong nation protected by its soldiers.
Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and other senior civil and military officials were present at the event.
INS Gomati was commissioned on 16 April 1988 by the then Raksha Mantri at Mazagon Dock Limited.
The third ship of the Godavari-class guided-missile frigates, INS Gomati was the oldest warrior of the Western Fleet when it was decommissioned.
During its service, INS Gomati participated in Operations Cactus, Parakram and Rainbow, along with several bilateral and multinational naval exercises.
For its contribution to national maritime security, the ship was awarded the Unit Citation twice, in 2007-08 and 2019-20.
