Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan inaugurated Techkriti 2025, Asia’s largest intercollegiate technical and entrepreneurial festival, at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.
The event marks a significant platform for innovation, research, and technological advancements, bringing together students, scholars, and experts from various fields.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, General Chauhan spoke about the necessity of advancing and modernising the Indian Armed Forces.
He discussed the importance of preparing for future warfare challenges, particularly in cyber technology, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cognitive sciences. He highlighted how these emerging technologies will play a crucial role in national security and defence strategies.
In his address, General Chauhan stressed the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking in modern warfare. He encouraged students to embrace technological advancements and innovation to contribute to India’s security and development.
His speech inspired young minds, including scholars, students, and NCC cadets, by emphasising values such as discipline, resilience, courage, and sacrifice. His words motivated students to consider careers in defence and technology, highlighting the critical role they can play in shaping the nation’s future.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Central Air Command, and Professor Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur.
This year’s theme, Panta Rhei—a Greek phrase meaning "Everything Flows"—symbolises the ever-evolving nature of technology and innovation. Techkriti 2025 is set to be a grand celebration of technological advancements, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, fostering innovation and discovery.
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A special highlight of the festival was ‘Rakshakriti,’ a dedicated defence expo aimed at showcasing cutting-edge defence technology. The expo provided a crucial platform for synergy between the armed forces, academia, and the defence industry.
General Chauhan interacted with budding technologists, encouraging collaboration between researchers and industry leaders.
The event facilitated discussions on developing advanced technologies such as autonomous drones, which are expected to bolster national security while reducing dependence on imports.