by Staff Correspondent
IADB: The annual session of SIDM was organized on Tuesday at, New Delhi. The theme of the session was “March for Aatmanirbharta and Make for the World” had been conceptualized with an aim to facilitate sharing of perspectives on the roadmap for the Defence Industry to achieve “Aatmanirbharta” (Self-reliance) through Indigenous products and equipment.
The occurrence was held as a hybrid conference due to the prevailing Covid norms and keeping compliance to it in consideration. Defence Minister, Mr. Rajnath Singh was the Chief Guest to the Annual Session, emphasized that the Indian defence industry is home to manufacturers who can create a perfect blend of state-of-the-art, high quality and cost-effective hardware which will not only bolster national security but make India a net defence exporter.
He further reiterated the Government’s resolve of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the world’ through past learnings, present works, with a focus on empowering the future. He also added that the Govt has opened opportunities to build a Mega Defence Programme, including fighter aircraft, helicopters, tanks and submarines through a strategic partnership model that will help the private companies become global giants in the years to come.
The recent contract of 56 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force is one such example. Mr. Jayant D Patil, President, SIDM in his address said “The Ministry of Defence and Industry have moved together. An enormous amount of progress has been made in the last few years”. He added that there have been unprecedented reforms being put in place for the Defence Industry.
The minister added that the growing popularity of SIDM also reflects the growth of the country’s defence industry. On the setting up of the first SIDM state office in Lucknow and the signing of the agreement with the Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority to promote investments in the UP Defence Industrial Corridor, he stated that these initiatives indicate the quality of vision & approach of SIDM which is essential to achieve the goal of self-reliance.
Mr. Baba Kalyani, Founder & Immediate Past President, SIDM said “As an Industry representative, let me say that we are extremely encouraged and motivated and I can promise you (Raksha Mantri) that these programmes and the ones to be launched in the future will propel investments, employment and Aatmanirbharata are in the defence sector. “
Mr SP Shukla, Vice President, SIDM concluded the Inaugural Session and thanked the Defence minister for his unstinted support to the industry. “When it comes to innovation, there is no large company, there is no small company. Innovation comes from the minds of people. We would like to promote, nurture, and cherish all our engineers across the spectrum within the industry, he said.
To acknowledge the distinguished performance of industries in Defence and Aerospace, SIDM has instituted the “SIDM Champion” Awards in specific categories, as well. The spin-off of such recognition and acknowledgement would encourage the member Industries to rededicate themselves and scale up their engagement to the National Cause to the next level, as reported.
