NEW DELHI, OCT 30:
Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd), along with Mizoram Governor Gen (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd), launched Fortress India at the India International Centre in New Delhi on Friday.
Launched under the theme ‘Festival of Ideas’, the initiative seeks to reconnect citizens with India’s land, history, ecology and civilisational values. It aims to promote a deeper understanding of the country as a living civilisation shaped by its geographical heritage, historical experiences, natural wealth and enduring traditions.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Parnaik said the security of the land was fundamental to national sovereignty, territorial integrity and collective responsibility. He stressed that citizens must understand the strategic significance of the country’s borders, respect the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and recognise that safeguarding the nation was a shared responsibility.
Drawing on his experience in service, he said a deeper understanding of India’s geography and history fosters patriotism, strengthens national unity and deepens the sense of belonging to the nation.
Emphasising the importance of ecological security, the Governor said India’s forests, rivers, mountains, wetlands and biodiversity sustain livelihoods and support millions of people. He called for the protection of these natural assets through responsible consumption, conservation, sustainable development and community participation, adding that environmental stewardship must become a collective national responsibility.
A member of the Advisory Board of Fortress India, Parnaik also highlighted the need to revive values embodied in India’s traditions, including respect for elders, compassion, integrity, self-discipline, service, harmony and reverence for nature. He said the ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and the spirit of Seva could strengthen social cohesion and guide young citizens towards responsible nation-building.
He said Fortress India could inspire citizens to become custodians of the country’s territory, heritage, ecology and values, ensuring that its civilisational strength remained a living legacy for future generations.
The launch programme was also addressed by Dr Satyanarayana Bheesette, Indian experimental physicist; Rajinder Pal Devgan, senior educationist; Sanjeev Sanyal, Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister; and Shiv Kunal Verma, author, military historian, filmmaker and founder of Fortress India.
