Shirpur, October, 2026: The Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), SOBUS, SVKM’s NMIMS, Shirpur, celebrated Institution’s Innovation Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam through an expert session on defence technology, indigenous innovation and national self-reliance.
Held at the MPSTME auditorium, the session featured Shri Kashinath Damodar Deodhar, Retired Senior Scientist, Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), DRDO, Pune, as the guest speaker. With four decades of experience and over 1,000 lectures delivered, Shri Deodhar shared insights from his professional journey, including his association with Dr. Kalam for approximately eight years at DRDO.
Addressing around 150 students, he highlighted Dr. Kalam’s legacy of scientific thinking, dedication and innovation, emphasising the importance of indigenous technologies in national development.
The session explored India’s advancements in defence technology, indigenous weapons development, defence exports and efforts to reduce dependence on imported equipment. Demonstrations of selected weapons offered students practical insights into the role of engineering, research and innovation in strengthening national security.
Shri Deodhar also discussed India’s evolving counter-terrorism preparedness after 2014 and Operation Sindoor in the context of contemporary security challenges. He emphasised domestic manufacturing, indigenous research and development, and technological self-reliance as key drivers of national progress.
The session encouraged students to pursue research-driven innovation and contribute to India’s technological advancement.
The programme was coordinated by Dr. Sachin Bhandari, IIC convener and assistant professor, MPSTME, NMIMS Shirpur campus and Dr. Swapnil Mahajan, Centre In-charge & Head of Incubation NMIMS SoBUS COE for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
The initiative was conducted under the guidance and constant encouragement of Shri Rajgopal Bhandari, Mentor, NMIMS Shirpur Campus; Smt. Rita Patel, In-charge, NMIMS Shirpur Campus; Dr. Sunita Patil, Director, NMIMS Shirpur Campus, Dr. Venkatadri Marriboyina, Associate Dean, MPSTME and Dr S.S. Pancholi, Associate Dean, SPTM, NMIMS Shirpur campus.
Their continued support and motivation reinforce the campus’s commitment to fostering scientific curiosity, innovation-oriented learning and awareness of indigenous technological advancements.