Navy Chief underlines U.P.’s contributions to force at ‘Shaurya Vatika’ opening
Indian Navy Commander Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi on Saturday, May 30, 2026, said that although Uttar Pradesh is a landlocked state, it has a deep connection with the sea, highlighting the region’s historical maritime connections and contributions to the Indian Navy.
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Admiral Tripathi was in Lucknow for the inauguration of ‘Nausena Shaurya Vatika’, an open-air museum designed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Yogi Adityanath to showcase the heritage, operational capabilities and maritime achievements of the Indian Navy.
Addressing the meeting, Admiral Tripathi thanked Mr. Singh and Mr. Adityanath, “whose vision, support and leadership have made Nausea Shaurya Vatika a reality today.”
Explaining the rationale behind setting up the maritime-themed center in Uttar Pradesh, the Navy chief said, “Although this is a landlocked state, it has never been far from the sea.”
“Before the advent of railways and highways, rivers like Ganga, Gomti and Ghaghara connected the Awadh region to Kolkata port and global trade routes.
“Banarasi silk even reached the Roman empire through maritime trade, while hardwood and metallurgical resources of Uttar Pradesh contributed to shipbuilding,” said Admiral Tripathi, who retired from service on May 31 and will be succeeded by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.
Underlining that Uttar Pradesh continues to make significant contributions to the armed forces, the Admiral said, “A large number of officers, sailors and Agniveers in the Navy come from Uttar Pradesh. Perhaps that is why it hosts the largest number of military veterans in the country.”
Highlighting the maritime heritage of the state, he referred to INS Gomti, named after the Gomti river.
“Commissioned into service in 1988, INS Gomti participated in Operation Cactus and Operation Parakram. It carried the flags of India and Uttar Pradesh around the world throughout decades of service until it was decommissioned in 2022.” he said.
The Navy Commander also said that the exhibitions in Vatica, including aircraft, missiles, weapons and radars, will help young people understand the importance of maritime security.
“These demonstrations not only reflect the deep and enduring relationship between the Indian Navy and Uttar Pradesh, but also inspire youth to understand the country’s maritime security,” he said.
Emphasizing the importance of maritime security for India’s economic growth, Admiral Tripathi said, “It is a proven fact that India’s economic progress and commercial development are intrinsically linked to the sea. The Navy ensures that our sea lanes remain safe and open and India’s maritime trade continues to grow uninterrupted.” He also highlighted the growing role of Uttar Pradesh in defense manufacturing through initiatives such as the defense industrial corridor and the BrahMos facility in Lucknow.
“In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Uttar Pradesh today not only provides valuable manpower to the armed forces but also offers versatile missile systems and indigenous capabilities,” he said.
Calling Nausea Vatika much more than a museum, Admiral Tripathi said, “This is a symbol of the proud contribution of Uttar Pradesh in strengthening the defense of the country day by day.”
Expressing confidence about its future impact, he added: “I am confident that Nausea Shaurya Vatika will emerge as a source of national pride, maritime awareness and patriotism in the years to come.”
It was published – 30 May 2026 16:57 IST
