Jun 29 2025 to Jun 29 2025 11 a.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

This session offers a deep and reflective exploration of India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence research and development, inspired by the DRDO publication “Endeavours in Self-Reliance: Defence Research 1983–2018”, by KG Narayanan. The book captures a critical period of transformation in India’s defence landscape, chronicling key achievements, institutional efforts, and the steady march toward technological autonomy over three and a half decades.

The session will open with a keynote presentation by Mr. Narayanan, who will outline the central themes and insights drawn from the book. This includes the evolution of DRDO’s role, the emergence of indigenous capabilities, and the broader strategic imperative of self-reliance in defence. The presentation will set the stage for a nuanced conversation about the motivations, challenges, and breakthroughs that have defined India’s R&D efforts in the defence sector.

Following the keynote, a high-level panel discussion will bring together eminent voices who have been closely involved in shaping this journey. Dr Samir V. Kamat, Chairman DRDO and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D; Dr S. Christopher, former Chairman DRDO; and Dr Anantha Krishnan M, senior defence journalist and author, will engage in a dynamic exchange of perspectives. The discussion will be moderated by Air Marshal (Retd.) P. Rajkumar, providing context and continuity across decades of institutional memory and technological evolution.

Together, the panel will reflect not only on past achievements but also on the pressing needs and strategic directions for the future, offering valuable insights into what it will take to secure and sustain a truly self-reliant defence ecosystem in India.

Speakers

KG Narayanan
Editor & Former Chief Advisor, DRDO Headquarters
Dr KG Narayanan, Principal Editor of this volume completed his career in DRDO as the Chief Advisor at DRDO Headquarters after having been a member of its scientific workforce from 1965 to 2002. He contributed to several of the development programmes as well. He led two of the major laboratories-Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) and Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) during the years 1986-2001. He also worked in the Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) earlier and at DRDO Headquarters, thus acquiring a breadth of professional experience.

Dr Narayanan is a BSc of Madras University, BTech. (Hons.) of IIT, Kharagpur and PhD of IISc. Bangalore. He is a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering, a Distinguished Alumnus of IIT, Kharagpur and a recipient of several honours including the Systems Society Gold medal and DS Kothari Award of the Indian Science Congress Association. His current interests include history of Indian science and society.

Samir Kamat
Chairman, DRDO & Secretary, Dept of Defence R&D

S Christopher
Former Chairman, DRDO

Anantha Krishnan M
Senior Defence Journalist

P Rajkumar
Air Marshal (Retd.)