RAKSHA MANTRI PRESIDES OVER THE 8TH CONVOCATION OF DIAT
The prestigious 8th Convocation Ceremony of Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) was held at Pune, on Tuesday, the 31st May 2016.
110 M.Tech; 23 PhD and 8 MS by Research degrees were awarded during the convocation. 13 M.Tech students received medals for topping M.Tech programmes.
Shri Manohar Parrikar, Defence Minister, who is the Chancellor of the Institute, presided over the ceremony. He expressed immense pleasure to be in an institution which is a product of the vision and commitment to impart customized quality technical education for defence officers, scientists and engineers and to carry out fundamental and exploratory research in advanced defence technologies. He extended warm greetings and congratulated the passing out students.
In his speech, he reminded the students, “you have imbibed the knowledge and skills needed to deal with the challenging world outside and also to enhance your total personality. I have no doubt that with the knowledge gained at DIAT, you will be exemplary in whatever you choose to do and be successful in meeting the challenges that are ahead of you particularly for giving “Technology for the country and Security for the Nation”.
He added, University is a centre for knowledge creation, knowledge dissemination and knowledge application. In this context this specialized defence technology and research intensive University has its place and responsibility at higher levels of state-of-art knowledge. I want DIAT to generate new knowledge and ensure it fulfils the defence needs and also flows into civilian and commercial use after fulfilling defence needs. Traditionally, basic sciences have excited human beings in understanding the nature and applied sciences have enabled engineers to meet today’s challenges. I am happy that this Institute supports a harmonious and synergistic integration of Science and Technology.
He advised the Institute to involve the alumni more for better brand building and growth. He expressed, “I am happy to learn that currently DIAT is offering 25 specializations, in eight generic M.Tech programs. Due to excellent track record, DIAT has been placed in Category ‘A’ by Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) & adjudged at 38thrank by National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). The institute has also been accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) also 5 of its M.Tech programmes are accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA).
In his address, Dr S Christopher, Secretary, Dept of Def R&D praised DIAT for its stride to be the Centre of Excellence of International repute for education, research and training in advanced Defence technologies with a view to strengthen National Security and Self-reliance. The Institute aims at development of indigenous contemporary Defence technologies in Navigation systems, wireless sensors, efficient propulsion systems and weapons systems for Defence Services with its innovative and unique research capabilities; he added.
He said the institute is offering around 25 specializations under 9 Generic M. Tech programmes. Recently new specialization for M. Tech like Chemical Science & Technology, Marine Science & Technology, Technology Management, Navigation systems, Wireless Network and Application and Robotics have been introduced at DIAT. From Academic Year 2016-17, 4 new specialization on UAVs, Design, Software Engineering are being introduced. Although the sponsorship to the M. Tech and Ph.D programmes at DIAT has been steadily increasing over the years, I have requested to the Defence PSUs for increased sponsorship to DIAT programmes for full utilizations of the expertise and resources available at DIAT for Nation building.
Dr S Pal, Vice Chancellor, in his welcome address said that the university is engaged in imparting technical education, in niche areas of defence R&D at Post Graduate, Diploma & Ph.D levels over the last 64 years, in its various forms & capacities. The main focus of the institute is to provide unique and innovative teaching learning environment in cutting edge technology for defence R&D. The aim is to develop manpower for research laboratories & industries to develop & work on indigenous contemporary technologies – relevant to security of the nation.
The Vice Chancellor conveyed that conferment of Category A status by MHRD, NAAC and NBA accreditation and 38th ranking of the institute by the NIRF etc., are true indicators of the Institute’s competence and strength. He wished all the passing out students, all the very best in their life and wished that they should prove the worth of the degree conferred in their life and utility to the society.
