In an environment filled with innovation and ambition, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Thursday inaugurated Techkriti 2025, Asia’s largest intercollegiate technical and entrepreneurial festival, at IIT Kanpur. This event, a symbol of technological excellence, provided a platform for discussions on the latest advancements that are shaping the future of warfare and national security.
In a captivating Fireside Chat, Gen Chauhan delved into the imperative of modernizing the Indian Armed Forces. Addressing an eager audience of scholars, students, and NCC cadets, he emphasized the significance of emerging technologies in shaping the battlefield of the future. From Cyber Warfare to Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing to Cognitive Technologies, the CDS highlighted the necessity of continuous adaptation in an era of rapid technological evolution.
“The future of warfare will not be fought solely on traditional battlefields. It will be won through superior intellect, adaptability, and technological supremacy,” he asserted, inspiring young minds to channel their expertise into national defence.
Techkriti 2025, themed “Panta Rhei”—a Greek phrase meaning “Everything Flows”—captured the essence of perpetual innovation. The event drew a distinguished audience, including Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, AOC-in-C, Central Air Command, and Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur. Defence Ministry statement stated that their presence underscored the synergy between academia, the defence sector, and industry leaders in shaping a self-reliant technological landscape for India.
A standout feature of the festival was ‘Rakshakriti,’ a dedicated Defence Expo showcasing cutting-edge defence technologies. This platform facilitated dynamic interactions between armed forces personnel, budding technologists, and industry pioneers. From autonomous drones to next-generation security systems, ‘Rakshakriti’ highlighted India’s strides toward innovation-driven self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.
Throughout the event, Gen Chauhan’s words resonated deeply. “Discipline, resilience, courage, and sacrifice—these are not just military virtues; they are the foundation of progress in any field,” he urged students to embrace challenges with an unwavering spirit.
Techkriti 2025 promised more than just technical exhibits; it embodied the aspirations of a nation on the brink of a technological renaissance. As the festival unfolded, it became evident that the future of defence and innovation would be shaped by policies and strategies and by the passionate minds driving them forward.
Team BharatShakti
