New Delhi [India]: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called on the youth to develop a scientific mindset and excel in frontier technologies, leveraging the world-class infrastructure being established in India through government initiatives.
He made these remarks while inaugurating Vigyan Vaibhav 2025, a two-day science and technology extravaganza in Hyderabad, Telangana, as part of National Science Day celebrations on February 28, 2025.
“War is increasingly moving from hardware to software-oriented. New technological breakthroughs are on the horizon, and we have to take the lead in transformative technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, Machine Learning, and Clean-tech. India can remain strong and secure in adverse situations if it has solutions to critical technological challenges.
“Our youth must adopt a scientific outlook & critical thinking and try to go beyond the ordinary,” Rajnath Singh stated.
He also recalled the words of former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who once said:
“Science is a beautiful gift to humanity; we should not distort it but use it for the betterment of society.”
Government’s Push for Scientific Excellence
The Defence Minister reaffirmed the Modi-led Government’s commitment to harnessing modern technology for national security, stressing the importance of education in science and innovation.
“India’s youth possesses tremendous potential, and it is the Government’s endeavour to harness their capabilities to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he said.
He also highlighted the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to transform science education by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and innovation. He emphasized that the theme for this year’s National Science Day, ‘Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat’, aligns with India’s aspirations for scientific progress and leadership.
Telangana CM Encourages Innovation
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also spoke at the event, emphasizing Hyderabad’s long-standing role as a hub of scientific excellence and technological innovation. He encouraged students and young innovators at Vigyan Vaibhav 2025 to embrace innovation and dream big.
Major Exhibition Showcases Cutting-Edge Technologies
As part of Vigyan Vaibhav 2025, a grand exhibition welcomed over 30,000 students and featured 200+ stalls, showcasing cutting-edge defence and aerospace technologies developed by DRDO and leading Indian industries.
The exhibition aimed to ignite curiosity, inspire innovation, and encourage young minds to pursue careers in STEM fields, nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and techno-entrepreneurs who will drive India towards global technological leadership.
Event Highlights and Participants
The event was attended by:
- Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO
- Dr. G Satheesh Reddy, President, Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI)
- Directors and Director Generals of DRDO
- CMDs of PSUs and key industry leaders
Vigyan Vaibhav is jointly organized by DRDO, AeSI, and the Kalam Institute of Youth Excellence to celebrate National Science Day, honoring Sir CV Raman and his groundbreaking contributions to science.
The event brought together policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, academicians, and young innovators to discuss and showcase technological advancements shaping India’s future. As the nation moves towards Viksit Bharat 2047, the event underscored the importance of scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration in achieving self-reliance and global leadership.