A National Symposium and Industry Meet on 'Emerging Technologies in Infrastructure Development', organised by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), was inaugurated by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane in New Delhi on May 9, 2024. The two-day event, with the participation from the Armed Forces, academia, industry and DRDO, aims to foster dialogue, exchange knowledge and explore innovative approaches to address the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies in infrastructure development in line with the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

In his address, the Defence Secretary emphasised on the need to achieve self-reliance in every field to deal with future challenges. He stated that India is a country with a significant percentage of young population, and self-reliance will ensure gainful employment to them.

Underlining the importance of achieving 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence, Giridhar Aramane asserted that there is no trusted trend in geopolitics, and India cannot depend on other countries for its security & safeguarding national interests. He stressed that self-reliance will help the country take giant strides on the path of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Highlighting the emphasis being laid by the Government on infrastructure development along the borders, the Defence Secretary exhorted the infrastructure firms to contribute in further strengthening the apparatus. He added that while the Armed Forces personnel are being provided with latest weapons/equipment, the private sector should contribute in bolstering the infrastructure set-up in the border areas. He referred to the Vibrant Villages Programme which aims to motivate people to stay in their native locations in border areas, and urged the firms to set up a separate section, within their respective organisations, which focuses on development in far-flung areas.

Giridhar Aramane stated that the DRDO is extending support to the private sector in Research & Development, and together they can come up with new innovations to build faster & better in the times to come. He called upon the industry to walk hand-in-hand with the government, and focus more on the mass production of quality products in a time-bound manner. He also urged the industry to collaborate with the academia to enhance the skills of the workforce, which can help realise a technology into a product.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V. Kamat emphasised on the importance of infrastructure in the development of a nation. He stated that India is witnessing a phenomenal growth in the field of technical infrastructure, which is required to maintain the country's strategic deterrence.

The DRDO Chairman added that technology is evolving rapidly, and the necessity of sustainable infrastructure and green infrastructure is now becoming a part of technical domain. "It's time to explore ways to incorporate the latest technologies in our technical infrastructure. We have made a good start, but work needs to be done to catch up with the best practices," he said.

Director General, Resource & Management Purushottam Bej said the symposium, being attended by over 500 delegates with five technical sessions, will deliberate upon varying topics on emerging technologies in infrastructure development being expounded by experts from the users, industry, academia and scientists from DRDO. This will go a long way in igniting the minds of users, planners, designers, architects and ultimately the executives in realising the vision of the government and proving to be the stepping stone for a glorious future for the infrastructure development in the country at large.

The Defence Secretary also inaugurated the industry-partner exhibition, organised on the sidelines of the event, showcasing latest technologies and products developed by the various industry partners. The event also includes student competition from IITs, NITs and other Engineering colleges. A symposium souvenir and Research & Development Construction Establishment Work Procedure 2024 were also released during the event.