STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The picturesque campus of the Indian Institute of Technology Jammu (IIT Jammu) has sprung to life with the commencement of the North Tech Symposium (NTS’23), a three-day extravaganza that promises to illuminate the path of innovation. Nestled amidst the serene surroundings of Jagti, NTS ’23 is set to unveil the technological prowess of the Indian Army while nurturing a dynamic synergy among the Army, Industry, and Academia.
The inaugural ceremony of NTS’23 bore witness to the august presence of luminaries from the Army, the world of Academia, and the expanse of Industry, accentuating the grand confluence of knowledge and innovation.
Lt Gen MV Suchindera Kumar, Vice Chief of Army Staff, graced the occasion as the chief guest, radiating an aura of profound pride and optimism. He remarked, “More than an honour, it’s a moment of immense pride for me to witness the harmonious blend of the Army, Academia, and Industry. In an era where technology knows no boundaries, it is imperative that we recognize the essence of cooperation and collaboration.”
“The symposium stands as a luminous example of the synergy that can be harnessed,” emphasised Lt Gen Kumar, adding, “This platform will serve as a launchpad for numerous startups and industries to illuminate their products and ideas. The primary objective of the symposium is to enrich the participants’ technological knowledge, with a collective endeavour to seek solutions that not only bolster national security but also address environmental concerns.”
Prof Anurag Misra, Dean of IIT Jammu, echoed the sentiments of unity and progress, setting the symposium’s tone with his pride in hosting this monumental event on the IIT Jammu campus. He declared, “It is indeed an honour to have NTS’23 organised at the hallowed grounds of IIT Jammu. In a brief span, IIT Jammu has emerged as a beacon of knowledge. We aspire to be renowned for our translational research, research that is not confined but can be translated into practical applications for users and industries alike. Our commitment extends to research in defence technology, aiming to enhance the lives of our valiant soldiers. The establishment of the Centre for Strategy and Sustainable Infrastructure exemplifies our dedication to interdisciplinary research. Collaboration is our ethos, and together, we shall forge innovative solutions. NTS’23 is an opportunity to strengthen our ties with the Army and Industry, contributing to our nation’s welfare. It signifies a milestone in the collaboration between industry, the Army, and academia.”
SP Shukla, President of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), added to the fervour, expressing his honour at being part of this historic occasion. He underlined the transformative journey of India’s Defense Sector, proudly asserting that 75 percent of Army products now bear the ‘Make in India’ emblem. Shukla called upon the academic institutions, urging them to champion the ‘Make in India’ spirit. He applauded the 150 companies and 50 startups participating in the exhibition, showcasing the very zenith of technological innovation. Shukla noted, “Structured one-on-one discussions and technical sessions at the symposium will serve as crucibles for the exchange of visionary ideas.”
“The North Tech Symposium” is a grand three-day event that holds the promise of being a guiding light in the realms of innovation and collaboration. It will showcase the avant-garde technological advancements of the Indian Army while forging stronger bonds between the Army, Industry, and Academia. This symposium stands as a resounding testament to India’s commitment to self-reliance and the pursuit of excellence in defence technologies.