Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said the Indian Army is a symbol of strength and courage of the country’s 140 crore people.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the three-day ‘Know Your Army’ festival organised at the Army’s Central Command here, he said only a strong army can realise the vision of a secure and sovereign nation.
The CM formally inaugurated the festival by releasing colourful balloons into the sky, the Uttar Pradesh government said in a statement. Adityanath also paid tributes to the gallant soldiers, who have laid down their lives to defend the nation. “The Indian Army is a symbol of strength and courage of the 140 crore people of our country,” he said.
He underlined it is a matter of pride that the Central Command, with its headquarters in Lucknow, has been selected to host the 76th Army Day Parade on January 15.
“This is a unique opportunity for the youth of the state to know the Indian Army and be inspired by their bravery and valour,” he said. Adityanath also assured of the state government’s commitment towards the welfare of the serving and retired soldiers.
Describing the bravery display of the Sikh Regiment as brilliant, the CM said this is the ancient art of India through which our skilled youth used to give a befitting reply to the invaders.
He expressed happiness that the Indian Army has not only honoured this art of bravery by making it a part of the ancient art of war, but has also done the work of honouring the sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus by placing them in front of the nation’s youth.
“Through the ‘Know Your Army’ festival, we are not only getting the opportunity to see the exhibition of army equipments and weapons, but will also get an opportunity to know closely and understand the power, valour and patriotism of the army,” Adityanath said.