Is BrahMos and Drone Manufacturing Revamping Aligarh's Identity?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Uttar Pradesh’s investment of Rs 958 crore in Aligarh.
- Promotion of swadeshi products for national growth.
- Aligarh emerging as a defense manufacturing hub.
- Significant local employment opportunities.
- Active participation in national campaigns like ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’.
Aligarh, Aug 5 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, on Tuesday officially launched and laid the groundwork for projects valued at Rs 958 crore in the city, encouraging the community to support ‘swadeshi’ products as a means to enhance national prosperity and self-sufficiency.
While addressing a large public assembly in Aligarh, the Chief Minister emphasized the city’s rich historical and cultural importance, noting that the defense corridor established in 2018 is transforming the city’s identity. It is now recognized for manufacturing sophisticated weaponry such as the BrahMos missile and cutting-edge drones, thus significantly boosting the nation’s defense capabilities.
Citing Operation Sindoor, CM Yogi praised the increasing ‘atmanirbharta’ within the Indian Armed Forces, indicating that Aligarh is evolving into a center for drone and hardware production.
The Chief Minister urged locals to embrace swadeshi (indigenous) goods, highlighting the demand for Aligarh-made locks, brass idols, and hardware both nationally and internationally.
He pointed to success stories from the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative in Moradabad, Firozabad, Bhadohi, and Meerut, stating that local industries are pivotal in driving employment and growth.
“Advocating for Swadeshi is crucial to constructing a robust, self-sufficient nation,” he asserted.
Additionally, he called for widespread participation in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign occurring from August 13 to 15, encouraging residents to wear their national pride during the Independence Day festivities.
The Chief Minister also celebrated the recent recruitment of 1,344 youth from Aligarh among the 60,244 police personnel hired, marking it as a notable achievement for the district, and announced plans for an additional 30,000 police recruitments shortly.
“Unlike in previous times, where job opportunities were restricted to a select few, merit now governs recruitment—evident in the state's increasing investments in infrastructure and logistics,” CM Yogi commented.
He commended local artisans and craftsmen for establishing Aligarh as a significant center for idol-making nationwide and encouraged the community to present locally produced items as gifts during the forthcoming festive season.