If someone becomes dangerous, violence is necessary: Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that while non-violence should be the guiding principle of human life, force becomes necessary when dealing with individuals who pose a threat to the nation and society.

Addressing a gathering in Lucknow during the inauguration of the Nausena Shaurya Vatika, Adityanath said development can thrive only in a secure environment and stressed the importance of national security and respect for the armed forces.

"Non-violence should be the true religion of humanity. However, if someone becomes a danger to the country and society, then non-violence cannot work. In such situations, violence becomes necessary," the Chief Minister said.

Invoking a well-known Sanskrit phrase, Adityanath said, "Ahimsa Paramo Dharmah, Dharma Himsa Tathaiva Cha", explaining that while non-violence is a supreme virtue, the use of force in defence of righteousness and national security is equally justified.

He said a nation's strength determines its standing in the world.

"Only when we are strong on the security front will the world befriend us. If you are weak, no one bows before the weak," he said, adding that the principle is reflected in the actions of the country's armed forces while dealing with enemies of the nation.

The Chief Minister also linked security with development, saying Uttar Pradesh has witnessed significant changes over the past decade.

"Development plans can only move forward effectively in a secure atmosphere. Before 2017, this very Uttar Pradesh used to witness frequent curfews. Professional mafias and criminals had made life difficult for ordinary citizens," he said.

Adityanath said just as the armed forces safeguard the country's borders under all circumstances, citizens also have a responsibility to honour and respect the soldiers who protect the nation.

The Chief Minister was speaking at an event where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Nausena Shaurya Vatika in Lucknow. Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak were also present.

Highlighting the significance of the memorial, Adityanath said the decommissioned naval warship INS Gomati had been given a new purpose after retiring from service.

"After serving the Indian Navy for a long time and protecting India's maritime borders, INS Gomati retired from service in 2022. Today, the vessel has been put to meaningful use and installed on the banks of the Gomati River," he said.

The Chief Minister said the initiative would inspire young people to learn more about the Indian Navy and contribute to nation-building. He also referred to the Navy's motto and called upon citizens to develop a broad vision for a stronger India.

Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a developed India, Adityanath said every citizen must contribute towards national progress and cultivate a deep sense of respect for the armed forces.

"The most important among these duties is the feeling of respect we have for our soldiers and the armed forces," he said.

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