Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the beautification of the Gorkha War Memorial and construction of a museum in Gorakhpur, a project worth ₹45 crore aimed at immortalizing the courage of Gorkha soldiers and inspiring future generations.
The initiative will also strengthen India-Nepal cultural and historical ties.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan graced the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi hailed the valour of Gorkha soldiers, recalling their decisive role in the 1816 war. “When we speak of the Army’s bravery, the Gorkha name comes first. Their war cry ‘Jai Mahakali, Aayo Gorkhali’ has always forced enemies to retreat,” he said, adding that the strength of the Indian Army is recognized worldwide today.
The ceremony began with Vedic chants, followed by prayers at the Maa Kali temple located on the premises. A short film on the Gorkha Recruiting Depot highlighted stories of the regiment’s legendary warriors, while cultural performances included traditional Gorkha songs and dances, along with tributes to martyrs’ families.
Referring to the tradition of Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath, CM Yogi said that the worship of Maa Kali alongside Gorakhnath symbolizes the union of Shiva and Shakti, which embodies the Gorkhas’ fearless strength. Quoting poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, he saluted the supreme sacrifice of soldiers and linked the Gorkha legacy to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Panch Pran,” emphasizing heritage, respect for soldiers, and national unity.
The Chief Minister announced that the upcoming museum will display old uniforms, weapons, and war techniques of the Gorkha Regiment, allowing youth to learn from history. He thanked CDS General Chauhan for his presence, calling it a mark of commitment to the regiment.
He also highlighted state initiatives for soldiers, including ₹50 lakh assistance and jobs for families of police martyrs, a 20% reservation in police recruitment for ex-Agniveers, and the establishment of a new Sainik School in Gorakhpur.
Paying floral tributes, CM Yogi said the project would instill pride among thousands of ex-Gorkha families in Kunraghat and motivate youth to join the armed forces. “This 100-year-old memorial will now take a grand form. The Gorkha regiment’s legacy will continue to guide future generations in the spirit of ‘Nation First,’” he said.
This memorial will become a symbol of civil-military fusion: CDS
CDS General Anil Chauhan described the day as historic, recalling that the Gorkha Recruiting Depot was established in Kunraghat in 1886 and that 20,000 Gorkha soldiers laid down their lives in the First World War. The war memorial, built in 1925, he said, is now being revived with vision and respect for its legacy.
Thanking the Yogi government, General Chauhan said the memorial represents civil-military fusion with threefold significance: recognition of the Gorkhas’ bond with the Indian Army, honouring their selfless bravery, and deepening India-Nepal relations. “We are in an era of change and envisioning a developed India, but we must never forget the past. The sacrifice of Gorkha soldiers will continue to inspire generations,” he said.
What will be special in the museum
The museum will digitally showcase the Gorkha Regiment’s glorious history, featuring sound-and-light shows, a 7D theatre, mural paintings, and video documentaries.
The event was attended by CDS Anil Chauhan, MP Ravi Kishan, Union Minister Kamlesh Paswan, Mayor Manglesh Srivastava, Gorkha Brigade President Sanjeev Chauhan, and several officers of the Gorkha Regiment, army officials, and public representatives.