by Ashis Sinha
Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri called upon engineers to work towards realizing the grand goal of developing state of the art defence products and help the country to achieve defence product self-sufficiency.
He was addressing the 42nd convocation of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Reddy encouraged engineering graduates to make innovative products for the development of the country.
Addressing the degree recipients of the 2020-21 batch of IIT (ISM), he said, “Many advanced technologies and systems are being developed in the country, and you will be the flagbearers of the future.
“The country is experiencing a remarkable growth in the technological development in many sectors and is moving toward self-reliance” said Reddy who is also the former Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO and added that currently academic and R&D institutions are joining hands to develop innovative products and are partnering with the industries to manufacture the products components and subsystems.
“The academia should also engage with the users, to identify the technology gaps and work on future technologies,” said Reddy adding that he is pleased to see that that IIT (ISM) has taken an initiative and works closely with DRDO in areas of Robotics and Control Systems.
“I encourage them to continue working with users and industries to provide society with cutting edge products” said Reddy and added that many start-ups with young people have taken the challenge of developing many innovative systems.
“Several open futuristic challenges are ahead of our country” pointed out Shri Reddy added that India is currently poised to develop next-generation fighter air crafts (AMCA, LCA-Mk2), regional transport aircrafts, military transport aircrafts, Chandrayaan-III, Gangayaan, advanced missiles and all types of UAVs and DRONES.
“All the younger generation of the country have a significant role to play in technological evolution of making India completely self-reliant” said Reddy while exhorting the youth to work and added all are required to work together to figure out ways to fill the gaps and set up the path of future systems.
“A synergistic approach is needed to develop advanced technologies and manufacturing capabilities to fulfil the honourable prime minister’s dream of India becoming a leading exporter” opined Reddy.
“I request all the students, faculties and other dignitaries to work towards the grand goal of developing state of art defence products and helping us to achieve defence products self- sufficiency,” he elaborated.
Professor Prem Vrat, Chairman, Board of Governors who presided over the function in his address said, “Learning must also bring humility as Humility teaches you to appreciate others and enables you to acknowledge that there can be several equally valid approaches to meet the same objective”.
“Humility inculcates in you the ability to assess yourself critically in the context of society and the country,” he added.
“Be broad-minded and tolerant. Never lose the zeal and spirit to question” exhorted the chairman and further advised the degree recipients to have the strength to defend what you think is right. “These qualities, which your alma mater has instilled in you, will be helpful as you move forward in your career” added Professor Prem.
The rich legacy of IIT(ISM) allows you to live for a purpose that’s bigger than yourself. The Institute’s legacy that has emerged and endured over the last nine and half decades makes it dream high – to be one of the top-class technological institutions in the country.
While addressing the gathering he also laid focus on New Education Policy and said “It is time to implement the new National Education Policy at all levels of education, including technical education” and added that the new National Education Policy is based on four pillars: Access, Equity, Quality, and Accountability.
“The IITs are already moving in this direction as the NEP emphasize on multi-disciplinary, flexible, modular, value based education which is faculty-driven and student centric,” he said.
Professor Rajiv Shekhar, Director of the Institute presented the report of the institute during the occasion.