Addressing Essential Technological Challenges: Rajnath Singh

Hyderabad, Feb 28 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of finding solutions to critical technological challenges while urging the youth to adopt a scientific outlook and excel in emerging technologies by leveraging the internationally competitive infrastructure being developed in the country.

During the inauguration of Vigyan Vaibhav, a two-day science and technology festival organized by DRDO and others in celebration of National Science Day, the Defence Minister highlighted the shift in warfare from hardware to software.

He stated, "New technological advancements are on the horizon, and we must lead the charge in transformative fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Machine Learning, and Clean Tech. India can maintain its strength and security in challenging times if we address these critical technological challenges," while encouraging the youth to embrace a scientific mindset and think critically beyond conventional boundaries.

He quoted former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who said that science is a beautiful gift to humanity, urging us not to distort it but to utilize it for societal progress.

The Defence Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to leverage modern technology for the nation’s safety and security, emphasizing that education in these fields is vital for the future. He recognized the immense potential of India’s youth and stated that the government aims to empower them to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Rajnath Singh remarked that it is the shared responsibility of both the Centre and state governments to ensure that every child receives a quality education.

"I acknowledge that education is a concurrent subject under the Indian Constitution. It is the joint responsibility of the Centre and states to guarantee that our future generations receive the best education, ensuring no child is left behind and that they are prepared not only for the future but also for a global stage," he mentioned.

He emphasized that the New Education Policy 2020 aims to transform science education in India by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and innovation. He noted that this year’s National Science Day theme, 'Empowering Indian youth for global leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat,' embodies this vision.

He acknowledged that India was a slow-growing economy post-independence and recognized that science is essential for economic advancement, crucial for creating a self-sustaining economy and enhancing both industry and agriculture.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy encouraged young participants at Vigyan Vaibhav 2025 to dream ambitiously and embrace innovation passionately.

Attendees included Dr Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO; Dr G Satheesh Reddy, President of the Aeronautical Society of India; various Directors and CMDs of PSUs, and industry leaders.

The event featured a grand exhibition with participation from over 30,000 students, showcasing more than 200 exhibition stalls. It provided a unique opportunity for students to observe cutting-edge defence and aerospace technologies developed by DRDO and leading Indian companies.

The exhibition aimed to spark curiosity, inspire innovation, and motivate young minds to pursue careers in STEM fields, nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technopreneurs.

Vigyan Vaibhav is co-organized by DRDO, the AeSI, and the Kalam Institute of Youth Excellence to commemorate National Science Day in honor of the legendary scientist and Nobel laureate Sir C.V. Raman and his remarkable contributions to science.

This event united policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, academicians, and young innovators to discuss and showcase advancements that will shape the future of the nation.