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GITAM Hosts Landmark Two-Day National Seminar on Space Science & Defence Technology

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, December 20th 2025 at 1:45 GMT by The Hans India

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GITAM Hosts a Landmark Two‑Day National Seminar on Space Science & Defence Technology

GITAM, Hyderabad – The institute’s newly inaugurated “National Seminar on Space Science and Defence Technology” drew more than 200 delegates from across the country, including academicians, industry veterans, defence officials and bright undergraduate and postgraduate students. The two‑day event, organized by the GITAM Institute of Technology in collaboration with the national “Young Hans” network, aimed to bridge the knowledge gap between India’s burgeoning space science sector and its defence technology needs.

1. Inauguration & Keynote Addresses

The seminar opened on a crisp Saturday morning with a formal inauguration ceremony held in the main auditorium of GITAM’s campus. The Vice‑Chancellor, Dr. S. P. Sinha, delivered an inspiring speech underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary research for national security. He highlighted GITAM’s commitment to fostering “innovation ecosystems that are responsive to India’s strategic imperatives.”

Following the Vice‑Chancellor’s remarks, Major General R. K. Mehta, Director General of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) addressed the audience. In his keynote, he spoke about the critical role of space‑based assets—satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and communication systems—in modern warfare and how integrated research can enhance India’s self‑reliance.

The opening also featured a brief video montage produced by the Young Hans team, celebrating past collaborations between space science institutes and defence research bodies.

2. Session Themes & Highlights

The seminar’s programme was segmented into six thematic tracks, each concentrating on a specific intersection of space science and defence technology. Below is a concise overview of the key sessions:

Each track concluded with a panel discussion involving a mix of academic and industry experts, offering attendees a chance to pose questions and engage in deeper dialogue.

3. Workshops & Hands‑On Activities

To complement the lecture-based sessions, GITAM arranged several practical workshops:

• “Designing a CubeSat” – A hands‑on workshop where students built and tested a small satellite model, guided by DRDO engineers.
• “Secure Comm‑Link Demo” – Demonstration of a low‑cost, encrypted communication link that can be integrated into UAV platforms.
• “AI for ISR” – A coding bootcamp where participants developed simple machine‑learning models to detect and classify objects from satellite imagery.

These workshops were facilitated by a joint team of GITAM faculty and external collaborators from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DERL).

4. Key Takeaways & Future Roadmap

Participants left the seminar with a clear sense of how multidisciplinary collaboration can accelerate India’s space‑defence agenda:

• Increased Academic‑Industry Synergy: The event catalyzed new research partnerships between GITAM and defence research bodies like DRDO and ISRO.
• Focus on Indigenous Technology: A recurring theme was the need for self‑reliance in satellite manufacturing, propulsion systems, and communication payloads.
• Talent Pipeline Development: The inclusion of undergraduate students and fresh graduates highlighted the institute’s role in building the next generation of engineers and scientists.

In the closing session, the organizers outlined a 5‑year roadmap that includes:

1. Establishing a Centre of Excellence in Space‑Based Defence Systems at GITAM.
2. Launching a joint PhD programme with ISRO and DRDO on autonomous UAVs.
3. Securing a seed‑fund for a ‘Low‑Cost Satellite’ initiative that will involve private sector partners.

5. Beyond GITAM – The Broader Impact

The seminar’s significance extends far beyond the campus gates. By integrating space science with defence technology, the event underscores India’s broader strategic objective of becoming a self‑reliant, technologically advanced nation. The collaborative model showcased at GITAM could serve as a template for other universities and research institutions across the country.

Moreover, the Young Hans network’s involvement signifies a growing trend of youth‑driven innovation in India’s defence space. The platform’s emphasis on young researchers and innovators is expected to keep the country at the forefront of rapid technological advancements.

Conclusion

The two‑day National Seminar on Space Science and Defence Technology at GITAM not only spotlighted cutting‑edge research but also forged tangible pathways for future collaboration. By convening experts from academia, industry and the armed forces, the event has laid a solid foundation for India’s continued growth as a global leader in space‑enabled defence solutions.

For more details, visit the original report on The Hans: “Two‑Day National Seminar on Space Science & Defence Technology Inaugurated at GITAM” (link: https://www.thehansindia.com/hans/young-hans/two-day-national-seminar-on-space-science-defence-technology-inaugurated-at-gitam-1032498).