Lucknow: Defence Minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh inaugurated the newly developed Fragrance Park in the Chowk area, adding a green and aromatic public space to the city’s urban landscape.
Developed jointly by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) and the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), the park features a variety of fragrant and medicinal plants. The inauguration was accompanied by the unveiling of life-size statues of freedom fighters Lala Lajpat Rai and Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh.
The event also witnessed the foundation-laying of various development projects estimated at around ₹43 crore.
Describing the park as a new addition to Lucknow’s beauty, Singh said modern cities should provide not only infrastructure and civic amenities but also spaces where people can connect with nature, relax and improve their quality of life.
“A truly modern city is one where, along with facilities, there are places for relaxation, recreation and a connection with nature,” Singh said.
He emphasised that parks were more than beautification projects and served as important social infrastructure. Public spaces, he said, brought people closer together and helped strengthen social bonds amid increasingly busy lifestyles.
Park Links Two Generations of Freedom Fighters
Singh noted that the park had been named after Lala Lajpat Rai and also houses a statue of Bhagat Singh. He described the initiative as a way of keeping India’s collective memory alive and introducing younger generations to the country’s inspiring freedom fighters.
He said children visiting the park could ask their parents about Lala Lajpat Rai and, in the process, learn about his life and contribution to India’s freedom struggle. Similarly, Bhagat Singh’s statue could inspire young visitors to learn about his courage and sacrifice for the country.
The Defence Minister described the presence of Lala Lajpat Rai and Bhagat Singh together as a symbolic dialogue between two generations. While one represented experience, leadership and maturity gained through years of struggle, the other symbolised the energy, courage and fearlessness of India’s youth.
Singh said the combination of experience and youthful energy was equally important for nation-building.
He added that every generation—including Millennials, Gen Z, Baby Boomers and Gen X—had an important role to play in India’s development.
Call for Responsible Nation-Building
Singh said India was today an independent, democratic and constitutional republic as well as a welfare state. Maintaining these achievements, he added, required continuous commitment and a strong sense of responsibility.
He cautioned against forces that attempt to exploit social divisions and narrow interests to weaken the country. Referring to what he termed “intellectual Naxalism”, Singh said such tendencies could operate quietly like termites and called for greater social vigilance.
He urged citizens to work towards making India a global leader in the fields of economy, knowledge and science.
Sandalwood Sapling Planted
During the ceremony, Singh planted a sandalwood sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. He subsequently unveiled the statues of Lala Lajpat Rai and Bhagat Singh by pressing a button.
The Fragrance Park has been landscaped with different varieties of aromatic and medicinal plants by NBRI. The facility is expected to serve local residents as a green, fragrant and health-oriented public space.
Film on Partition Tragedy Screened
A short film highlighting the human tragedy of the Partition of India 80 years ago was screened during the programme. It depicted the displacement, suffering and struggles of families affected by Partition.
The LDA also screened a short film showcasing various development projects currently underway in Lucknow.
Singh felicitated members of families who migrated to India from Pakistan during Partition. Former MLA Vidyasagar Gupta, former Mayor Sanyukta Bhatia and Jaswant Kaur were among those honoured with traditional angavastrams.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Rajya Sabha MP and former Deputy Chief Minister Dr Dinesh Sharma, MPs Brijlal and Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Horticulture Dinesh Pratap Singh, BJP Lucknow Metropolitan president Anand Dwivedi, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, Legislative Council member Mukesh Sharma, legislators Yogesh Shukla, OP Srivastava and Umesh Dwivedi, MP representative Diwakar Tripathi and several other public representatives, BJP office-bearers, councillors, LDA officials, NBRI scientists and local residents attended the inauguration.
The launch marked another addition to Lucknow’s public green spaces, combining urban recreation, botanical diversity and a reminder of India’s freedom struggle.
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