NEW DELHI, Oct 30: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik has called for greater public awareness of India's geographical heritage, history and ecological wealth, saying that safeguarding the country's territory and natural resources is a collective responsibility essential to national sovereignty and long-term prosperity.
He was speaking at the launch of Fortress India, held under the theme ‘Festival of Ideas’ at the India International Centre in New Delhi on Friday. The initiative was jointly launched by Parnaik and Mizoram Governor Gen (Retd) Dr Vijay Kumar Singh.
The initiative seeks to reconnect citizens with India's land, history, ecology and civilisational values, bringing these four dimensions together to deepen public understanding of the country's geographical heritage, historical experiences, natural wealth and traditions.
Parnaik said the security of the land was fundamental to national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stressed that citizens must understand the strategic significance of India's borders, respect the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and recognise that protecting the nation was a shared responsibility.
Drawing on his experience in the Armed Forces, the Governor observed that a deeper understanding of India's geography and history fostered patriotism, strengthened national unity and reinforced a sense of belonging to the country.
Emphasising ecological security, Parnaik said forests, rivers, mountains, wetlands and biodiversity sustained livelihoods, regulated the climate and supported millions of people. He called for responsible consumption, conservation, sustainable development and greater community participation to protect these natural resources for future generations.
He said environmental stewardship should become a shared national responsibility rather than remain confined to government policies and institutional initiatives.
A member of the advisory board of Fortress India, the Governor said the movement also aimed to revive values rooted in India's traditions, including respect for elders, compassion, integrity, self-discipline, service, harmony and reverence for nature.
Referring to the ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and the spirit of Seva, he said these values could strengthen social cohesion and guide young citizens towards responsible nation-building. Linking historical awareness with contemporary civic responsibility, he added, could translate cultural pride into meaningful public action.
Parnaik expressed hope that Fortress India would inspire citizens to become custodians of the country's territory, heritage, ecology and values, ensuring that its civilisational legacy remained vibrant for future generations.
The programme was also addressed by physicist Dr Satyanarayana Bheesette, senior educationist Rajinder Pal Devgan, Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council member Sanjeev Sanyal, and author, military historian and filmmaker Shiv Kunal Verma, who is the founder of Fortress India.