Rajnath Singh, Yogi Adityanath inaugurate laser, light and sound show at Smritika War Memorial in Lucknow

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday jointly inaugurated a state-of-the-art laser, light and sound show at the Smritika War Memorial in Lucknow Cantonment. The nearly 30-minute multimedia presentation, narrated in Hindi, traces the Indian Army’s history, operational milestones and its contribution to nation-building through advanced projection, sound and lighting technologies. The show will be held daily in the evening and is expected to be opened to the public soon.

The presentation highlights India’s major wars, with a focus on the 1947-48, 1962, 1965 and 1971 conflicts, along with key operations such as Operation Meghdoot and Operation Vijay. It also showcases the role of the Central Command in various operations and pays tribute to Param Vir Chakra awardees from the Awadh region, while reflecting on the region’s long-standing martial traditions.

The show further underlines the Indian Army’s ongoing modernisation in response to evolving security challenges and changing warfare dynamics. It highlights advancements in the domestic defence sector, including technologies showcased during Operation Sindoor, and positions Uttar Pradesh as a key hub of self-reliance initiatives through its defence corridor.

To support the initiative, the memorial premises are being upgraded with modern infrastructure, including advanced projectors, sound systems, murals depicting new-generation military equipment and war trophies, and a newly constructed amphitheatre. Three dedicated mural walls are also being developed to serve both as exhibits of military history and as dynamic canvases for the show. The project has been executed by the Central Command in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government and the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation.

Established in 1994 under the aegis of the Central Command, the Smritika War Memorial stands as a tribute to the valour and sacrifice of Indian armed forces personnel. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Central Command Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, along with senior Army and state government officials.