President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday visited Pune soon after participating in the commemorative function to mark the 120th anniversary of Swami Vivekanand’s voyage to Chicago from Mumbai. Mr Mukherjee was in Pune to address the seventh convocation of Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT)
In his address in Pune, Mr Mukherjee stressed on the need for constant risk analysis in the light of continuous decline in security scenario globally so that the country’s security establishment is prepared with dynamic responses to any threat.
The President called for exploiting science and technology to the optimum in defence preparedness, stating that it has become a “necessity” these days. “Our country desires a stable and rule-based international system. It is a matter of deep concern that the international security environment continues to decline. This calls for a constant review of the risk scenario so that our security establishment is ready with dynamic responses to any threat,” Mr Mukherjee said in his address.
Established in 1952, DIAT became a deemed university in 2000. Remembering his visit to DIAT in 2006 as then Defence minister, Mr Mukherjee said the institute has pursued a
harmonious approach to achieve a healthy synergy between fundamental and applied sciences. “It (DIAT) has complemented the efforts of the Defence Research and Development Organisation by carrying out research leading to development of new technology,” he said.
He added, “There is need for domain knowledge, and to develop capabilities and strengthen systems through innovation. Our policy making should be proactive to identify problems, develop scenarios highlight trends, and recommend policy options so as to avert any crisis.”