Yogi Government to Preserve the Gallantry Tales of Gorkha Soldiers

Culture Department to build a museum along with beautification of the Gorkha War Memorial at GRD Gorakhpur
Estimated cost of around ₹45 crore; arrangements to include a 7D theatre and sound-and-light show
Foundation stone to be laid by CM Yogi and Chief of Defence Staff on September 4

Gorakhpur, Sept 2025 : The Yogi government has taken a major initiative to preserve the heroic tales of Gorkha soldiers, who have always been ready to sacrifice everything for the honor and pride of Mother India. Under this plan, the state’s Culture Department will not only beautify the Gorkha War Memorial located at the Gorkha Recruiting Depot (GRD), Gorakhpur, but also construct a grand museum there. The foundation stone of this project will be laid on September 4 (Thursday) by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan.

First time the public will witness the stories of Gorkha warriors

Notably, this will be the first museum of the Gorkha Regiment to be opened for public viewing. In this way, ordinary citizens will, for the first time, be able to see and know the tales of the Gorkha warriors, who earned a special identity in India and abroad with their unmatched bravery. In its kind, this will be the first museum in the country.

For the beautification of the Gorkha War Memorial and construction of the museum, Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam (Urban), C&DS Unit 42, has been selected as the executing agency. The total cost is estimated at ₹44 crore 73 lakh 37 thousand. The project will include a museum, toilet block, ticket counter, renovation of existing buildings, water body, boundary wall, lift, etc. Additionally, there will be a sound-and-light show, 7D theatre, mural paintings, and other attractions.

Legacy of Gorkha soldiers

Gorkha soldiers are renowned in the Indian Army for their exceptional combat skills. From the British era till today, they have won more than 2,700 gallantry awards. They played a crucial role in the First and Second World Wars. After India’s independence, Gorkha soldiers not only fought in wars but also performed an invaluable role in peacekeeping missions. At present, about 40,000 Gorkha soldiers are serving the nation through the Indian Army.

A century-old war memorial

The Gorkha Recruiting Depot (GRD) in Gorakhpur, established in 1866, is the oldest recruiting depot. The existing war memorial was set up in 1925 in memory of the contribution of Gorkha soldiers during the First World War. Till now, bronze statues of eight such warriors have been installed here, who displayed extraordinary bravery during wartime and received notable honors.

These include the statues of:

• Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
• Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain G.S. Salaria
• Lieutenant Colonel Dhan Singh Thapa
• Captain Manoj Pandey
• Ashok Chakra awardee Lieutenant Colonel J.R. Chitnis
• Lieutenant Punit Nath Dutt
• Major Maan Bahadur Rai
• Naik Nar Bahadur