Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh stressed that India must become self-reliant and “net exporter of technology”. He addressed the scientists of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) on the occasion of the National Technology Day (NTD) today via a video conference.
Shri Rajnath Singh said: “Over the past five years, we have set new goals and worked hard to formulate the right policy framework to achieve them. I am sure you can see this change in every area of research, development and defense manufacturing. “He added:” We must always keep in mind that there is no alternative to native technology and native production. We will only be truly independent if India succeeds in becoming a net exporter rather than a net technology importer. & # 39;
While calling on the country’s expert group to contribute to making India a technological powerhouse, Shri Rajnath Singh said that the government and the people fully support their future efforts in this direction.
Shri Rajnath Singh said defense organizations are addressing the challenges of COVID-19 using the latest technology. Indian forces and research and development efforts have contributed significantly to finding solutions to the challenges of this invisible enemy. He added: “DRDO has developed over 50 products in the past 3-4 months, such as bio suit, disinfectant dispenser, PPE kits, etc. through its ongoing efforts to contribute to the fight against COVID -19. The defense industry has increased the potential for mass production of these high-quality products in record time. “
The NTD is observed on May 11 commemorating the nuclear tests conducted in Pokhran in 1998 that symbolized successful successes of homegrown technologies and emphasized the need for self-reliance in critical areas.
Speaking about the significance of the occasion, Raksha Mantri said: “This day is dedicated to the knowledge, talent and perseverance of our Indian scientists, especially those who have made their valuable contribution in solving the complex national security challenges of the country” # He went on to say: “National Technology Day is an opportunity to take stock of our technological progress and if we want to become a technological force, we need to know what to do. Such introspection is necessary because science and technology are the main drivers of a country’s economy. “The day reminds us of the continued effort to achieve self-reliance in key technologies, encourage innovations, and maintain technology flow for product realization,” he added.
National Technology Day 2020 was celebrated at DRDO to commemorate and honor the dedication, determination and sacrifice of scientists and engineers who have worked to achieve a national technological identity with the success of Shakti-Pokhran 2. A webinar was held on this occasion and a presentation was given on DRDO technologies to combat COVID-19.
Member Niti Aayog Dr. VK Saraswatin, his speech, congratulated DRDO on the excellent work done over the first 45 days in the fight against COVID-19.
He stated that the country has energized S&T infrastructure in this battle. He further advised DRDO to pay more attention to life sciences laboratories and to revitalize work on the biological defense program. He emphasized the need to develop more robotic devices where DRDO has a strong foundation.
Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) of the Indian government Prof. dr. K VijayRaghavan appreciated DRDO in his speech, saying it is extraordinary that it will have the opportunity to fight COVID-19. He said that we must develop indigenous capacity in all areas of technology. He also emphasized the need to develop IT-appropriate technologies and applications.
Secretary DDR & D & Chairman DRDO Dr. G Satheesh Reddy congratulated all teams on their innovative efforts to support Fellow Citizens, Armed Forces and Corona Warriors in their fight against COVID-19. He called on everyone to reapply to the nation by providing cutting-edge technologies to make the country strong and self-reliant.
Dr. Reddy said that during the lockdown products should be delivered all over the world. Delayed delivery is not a delivery. The DRDO has developed 53 products to combat COVID-19. He added that some of the systems were introduced in record time.
Senior officials from MoD and DRDO were also present on the occasion.
(With inputs from PIB)
