Defence Minister inaugurates three day 'Rashtra Raksha Samarpan Parv in Jhansi
Source: The Sangai Express / PIB

Imphal, November 17 2021: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the three-day 'RashtraRakshaSamarpanParv' in Jhansi on November 17, 2021.The festival will culminate on the birth anniversary of Rani of Jhansi LaxmiBai on 19th November.

Prime Minister NarendraModi will dedicate/launch several new initiatives of Ministry of Defence to the Nation in a grand ceremony being organised in the precincts of Jhansi Fort on November 19, 2021.Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Rajnath Singh termed the festival as a shining example of the coordination and determination of the Centre and state government.

He paid rich tributes to all the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the Nation and said that the event will witness the glimpses of struggle, sacrifice and victory.

He also remembered Rani Lakshmi Bai, terming her as the epitome of bravery and courage and said that the government has taken major steps to empower women in all spheres including representation in the armed forces.

As the country is celebrating 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' to commemorate 75 years of Independence, the MoD recalled the country's journey after 1947, saying that there has been a paradigm shift in the meaning of Independence since then.

"Earlier, Independence meant freedom from foreign rule.

It later changed to fulfilling one's needs with the help of the world.

Today's it is being 'Aatmanirbhar' in the development journey.

Due to our Government's efforts, we have moved on the path of self-reliance," he said.

"Our country is facing many types of conventional & non-conventional challenges - from border threats to sub-conventional threats like terror and extremism.

There is a need to create a strong, modern & well-equipped military, along with an equally capable, vibrant and self-reliant defence industry, which can provide low-cost yet top-quality equipment to our forces in a time-bound manner," he said.

Underscoring the importance of self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Rajnath Singh said, India cannot fulfill its strategic and security needs by relying on other countries and the Government is constantly striving to achieve 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He elaborated on the structural and organisational reforms in the defence sector, including corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board; setting up of defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; increase in Foreign Direct Investment; draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020.Shedding light on other visible results, ShriRajnath Singh said, in the last seven years, the defence exports have crossed Rs 38,000 croremark.

Joining of more than 10,000 SMEs in the defence sector and increase in research & development, start-up, innovation and employment in the defence sector are a result of the policies rolled out by the Government, he added.

The RakshaMantri reiterated the Government's resolve of 'Make in India, Make for the World', expressing confidence of soon realising the Prime Minister's vision.

In his address, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath thanked the RakshaMantri and Ministry of Defence officials for organising 'Raksha Samarpan Parv'.

He said the event will instil patriotism and a sense of duty towards the Nation.

The inauguration ceremony began with a lamp lighting ceremony by the RakshaMantri and the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister.

Union Minister of State, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Cabinet Minister Ram Naresh Agnihotri, Minister of State in the Uttar Pradesh Government ShriManohar Pant, Member of Parliament from Jhansi Anurag Sharma, public representatives and officials from the Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence and state government were also present on the occasion.

Comment