On 7 October 2024, thirteen students from classes X and XI, accompanied by senior teachers, Ms P. Yogeshwari and Ms Archana Raichandani, attended DefConnect 4.0 at the Manekshaw Centre. The event featured the launch of iDEX ADITI 2.0, an initiative aimed at advancing India’s technological self-reliance.
The ceremony commenced with an esteemed panel on the podium, comprising Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, Secretary of Defence Production, Chiefs of the Army, Air and Naval Staff, Chairman of DRDO, among others. The Secretary of Defence Production opened the event with a welcome address.
Shri Rajnath Singh launched ADITI 2.0 (Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX), an initiative designed to foster self-reliance in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Following this, iDEX DISC 12 (Defence India Start-Up Challenges) was introduced, which offers grants of up to 1.5 crore to promote innovation in defence technology.
To honour innovation and achievement, the winners of ADITI 1.0 were also felicitated. Additionally, the SIDBI iDEX Partner Incubator Fund, an inclusive initiative offering extended funding and infrastructure support to iDEX winners, was announced, enabling them to unlock their full potential.
Shri Rajnath Singh, delivered an inspiring address, noting two key challenges in Indian arms and equipment production: a shortage in output, and the need to move beyond conventional designs to embrace cutting-edge technology. He highlighted DefConnect as a platform that facilitates synergy between the public and private sectors, driving the modernisation required for contemporary defence needs. He emphasised the impact of iDEX, which has received over 9,000 applications and allocated more than 2,380 crore for the development of 37 ground breaking products.
The dignitaries concluded with their addresses on a panel convened on the topic “Budget 2024: Strategic Impact on Defence Innovation, Startup Ecosystem, and the Semiconductor Domain”. The panelists included Mr Abhishek Jain of Zeus Numerix Pvt. Ltd, Vice Admiral S.N.Ghormade, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BELL) Mr Manoj Jain, Air Vice Marshall Rajiva Ranjan, and Ms Vrinda Kapoor, specialist in semiconductor technology. The discussion provided insights into the pivotal role of funding and strategy in shaping India’s defence technology landscape.
The event also featured an exhibition showcasing an array of artistic pieces. Highlights included numerous paintings portraying scenes from the Ramayana, several modern art pieces, and a large mural, each evoking a sense of tradition blended with contemporary artistic expression.
The experience at DefConnect 4.0 was both enlightening and inspiring. Being in the presence of such distinguished leaders and hearing their insights first-hand was a remarkable privilege. This event not only left us inspired but also instilled in us a renewed sense of ambition to reach similar heights in our own pursuits.
Palak Garg, class XI B.
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