Indian Defence Dialogue at Amity University Highlights Technology-Driven Warfighting

Noida, India: Amity University Uttar Pradesh, in collaboration with Bharat Forge Ltd., Pune, organized the prestigious “Bhartiya Raksha Vimarsha” (Indian Defence Dialogue) on the theme “Defence Technology & Integrated Joint Warfighting Perspective”. The event marked a significant milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bharat Forge Ltd. and Amity University, aimed at fortifying the industry-academia partnership in the defence sector. This collaboration is set to enhance research and innovation, fostering self-reliance in defence technology.   

The event was graced by prominent personalities, including Padma Bhushan awardee Shri Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge Ltd. Shri Kalyani shared his invaluable experiences and insights, highlighting Amity University's role in India's progress towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. He emphasized the importance of technology-driven defence strategies and the critical need for India to develop its products to achieve self-reliance.  

Bharat Forge CMD Mr Baba Kalyani highlights Aatmanirbharta in Defence 

Mr Kalyani underscored the vast opportunities available to India’s young population, particularly with advancements in AI and Quantum Computing. He stressed that the defence sector should be driven by cutting-edge technology rather than just policies and procedures. Highlighting the demographic advantage, he mentioned that India's young population positions the nation uniquely to leverage technological advancements and lead globally in the defence sector.

Dr. B.K. Das, Distinguished Scientist and Director General (ECS), DRDO, delivered an inspiring address, celebrating India's rapid development across various sectors. He emphasized that every Indian should take pride in their nation's achievements in spirituality, economy, research, science, and innovation. Dr. Das elaborated on the acronym INDIA, representing Industries, National Forces, DRDO, Incubation Centres, and Academics, as the foundational pillars for national development.  

DRDO’s Vision for a Technologically Advanced India  

Dr Das highlighted the importance of exports for economic growth, noting India's substantial achievements in this area. He underscored that India is poised to take the lead in the manufacturing sector, driven by the combined efforts of various national stakeholders. Dr Das's message reinforced the strategic importance of continued collaboration between industry and academia to foster innovation and technological advancement.

Dr. Atul Chauhan, Chancellor of Amity University, expressed profound gratitude to Shri Baba Kalyani for sharing his inspirational journey with the students. He recognized the strategic importance of the defence industry sector and Amity University's pioneering role in offering specialized programs like M. Tech in Defence Technology. Dr Chauhan emphasized that the future belongs to the current generation of young leaders, who are crucial to making India the most developed nation globally.  

Transforming Education Through Industry Collaboration  

Prof. (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Amity University, emphasized the significance of the MoU signing ceremony. She highlighted the essential role of strong industry-academia collaboration in aligning the curriculum with industry requirements. Dr. Shukla stated that this partnership aims to train students in Defence Technology, with a commitment to fulfilling the vision of a developed India by 2047.

Dr. W. Selvamurthy, President of Amity Science Technology and Innovation Foundation, discussed the key focus areas of research and innovation at Amity. He praised Bharat Forge for transforming the defence research ecosystem and encouraged students to make significant contributions to the defence sector. Dr. Selvamurthy's address reinforced the importance of innovation and research in driving technological advancements in defence.

Welcoming the guests, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) SK Gadeock, AVSM (Retd), Director General of Amity Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, underscored the importance of events like Bhartiya Raksha Vimarsha. He highlighted their role in enhancing the strategic understanding of defence and national security issues among students. Lt. Gen. Gadeock called upon students to pledge their commitment to the development of the country.  

The one-day event featured enriching sessions on topics such as “The Transforming Landscape of Warfare: Gaining Insight into the Dynamic Changes” and “The Technological Revolution: Analyzing the Effects on Military Operations”. Esteemed defence experts, including Air Marshal Anil Chopra, Maj Gen BK Sharma, AVSM, SM & Bar, Lt Gen Sunil Srivastava, AVSM, VSM** (Retd), and Dr Swasti Rao, among others, provided valuable insights on significant contextual issues. The event was well attended by faculty, students, PhD scholars from Amity Universities, Tri-Services Institutions, and dignitaries from the NCR.