The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inaugurated a two-day National Symposium and Industry Meet on ‘Emerging Technologies in Infrastructure Development’ in New Delhi today. The event, graced by the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane, brought together stakeholders from the Armed Forces, academia, industry, and DRDO to explore innovative approaches and exchange knowledge to address challenges and opportunities in infrastructure development, aligning with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
In his inaugural address, Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane underscored the imperative of achieving self-reliance across all sectors to confront future challenges effectively. Emphasizing India’s significant young population, he highlighted that self-reliance would ensure gainful employment opportunities for them. He stressed the necessity of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, emphasizing that India cannot rely on other nations for its security and national interests.
Highlighting the government’s focus on infrastructure development along the borders, Shri Aramane urged infrastructure firms to contribute to bolstering the apparatus. He encouraged the private sector to support Armed Forces personnel with the latest weapons and equipment and underscored the need for infrastructure development in border areas, referencing the Vibrant Villages Programme.
Shri Aramane applauded DRDO’s support to the private sector in Research & Development, emphasizing the potential for collaboration to drive innovation in infrastructure development. He called upon industry to prioritize mass production of quality products and collaborate with academia to enhance workforce skills.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat, highlighted the crucial role of infrastructure in national development and stressed the need to incorporate latest technologies for sustainable and green infrastructure.
The symposium, attended by over 500 delegates and featuring five technical sessions, aims to ignite discussions on emerging technologies in infrastructure development. Director General, Resource & Management, Shri Purushottam Bej, expressed confidence that the event would pave the way for a glorious future in infrastructure development.
In addition to the symposium, an industry-partner exhibition showcasing latest technologies and products was inaugurated, along with student competitions from prominent engineering institutions. The event also saw the release of a symposium souvenir and Research & Development Construction Establishment Work Procedure 2024.
