Address by the Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind at Defence Services Staff College

 

Address by the Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind at Defence Services Staff College

Posted On: 04 AUG 2021 12:30PM by PIB Delhi

I am delighted to be here with the bright participants of this course at one of the premier Armed Forces Training Institutes of our country. This college has the mandate of imparting training to selected officers of our armed forces and friendly foreign countries. My special greetings to the 30 student officers from other countries who are also attending this course.

I am glad to hear insightful speeches from the young student-officers on complex issues of strategic significance touching upon internal and external security, Sagar military diplomacy roadmap, self-reliance, and power rivalries in the Indo-Pacificwith reference tocountriesin the Indian Ocean region. I am specially delighted that there was a lady officer among the speakers. I have been told that the number of lady officers in this course is going to rise in the future. That is a welcome development.

The natural beauty of the Nilgiri hills and the salubriousclimate of this area are conducive to learning. I am told that the word salubriousis often repeated to describe the climate and weather conditions of this area. Its Latin root-words denote its meaning as health-giving. This place is only 11 degrees north of the equator, but it has very pleasant weather throughout the year. In the early 19th century, the first sanitarium of the Madras Presidency was set up in this region. Since then, the health giving and energizing climate of this region has been utilized for various purposes, including learning by defence professionals like you. 

I am told that the student officers present here have been selected through a rigorous process based on assessment of competence and potential.My compliments to each one of you for earning this opportunity to learn. Armed forces officers attached with me have been describing their experiences in this course. I find that they talk about it with a lot of enthusiasm.

I assume, you all are aware of the significant changes instituted in the Higher Defence Organization of the country. Impetus is also being provided to indigenization and self-sufficiency in the defence sector. These initiatives have been taken with a view to make the Armed Forces future ready.

As you go up the ladder of growth, you will have to graduate from the level of single service competencies to multi-domain challenges. That requires greater understanding of joint and multi-domain operations. As the Armed Forces work towards greater integration, jointness and synergy will become stronger. In this context, participation by a few civil services officers and officers of the Coast Guard widens the canvas ofmutual learning through this course.

The armed forces of our country are amongst the most respected entities of our great nation. They have earned the regard of the fellow citizens by untiring efforts and great sacrifices. They have rendered invaluable services to the nation during the times of war and peace. They have discharged their duties with dedication and courage while facing internal and external security challenges, and in times of natural calamities.

The recent past has been very difficult for the entire humanity.  The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all walks of life. I have been told that Defence Services Staff College has successfully run the scheduled courses by effectively adopting a hybrid system blending conventional and online learning.  I believe significant changes have also been made in the curriculumand the methods of learning to make it more relevant to emerging challenges. I have been told that the curriculum of the course has always been comprehensive and intense. Because of the quality of content and methods, this course is very popular in other countries also.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to convey my appreciation for the outstanding grit and determination displayed by men and women of the armed forces in dealing with the situation on our borders as well as the Covid-19 pandemic. Very recently I had an opportunity to interact with our officers and soldiers in the Kashmir valley. I felt very happy to observe their high morale and dedication to duty. Most of you have been among the frontline warriors, dealing with these challenges. The country appreciates your commitment and contribution.

We are passing through challenging times which is full of changes. The concepts of National Security and Defence are changing. Geo-strategic and geo-political compulsions and many other factors have made the security landscape more complex. Low intensity conflicts, counter terrorism and non-combat conflicts pose different challenges.  There is a need to have a thorough understanding of all aspects.

In these changing times, we have to think of new ways to secure our national interests and ensure our national security.  This would require a freshapproach. I am told that during the Staff Course you will be given comprehensive inputs to help you understand the changing dynamics. With an understanding of the larger picture, you will be able to identify your role in the areas of national security.

The emerging threats in the cyber world, and space require state-of-the-art technological responses. Use of advanced technology by non-state actors also calls for upgraded response. Issues like climatechangemay have impact on security preparedness. All such issuesinfluence the security calculus of the nation. You have to comprehend their implications so that you are better prepared to deal with them.

Dear student officers,

Every new generation stands on the shoulders of previous generations, builds upon this heritage and makes new advances. You all have been identified as potential leaders of our Armed Forces. You have to emulatethe extraordinary standards set by your predecessors and go beyond them.

The 21st century society is described as knowledge society. Knowledge truly is power in this century.  Just as we are said to be in an era of knowledge economy, we are also into the age of knowledge warfare. As defence professionals you have to be a knowledge warrior. The motto of this college is ‘YUDDHAM PRAGYA’ which has been translated as ‘into war with wisdom’. Let me touch upon the significance of the word ‘Pragya’ in this context. Sanskrit words cannot have their exact English translations. However, it is possible to comprehend their essence.The word ‘Smriti’ denotes knowledge about thepast. The word ‘Mati’ describes awareness about the future. The word ‘Buddhi’ indicates grasp of the present. But the word ‘Pragya’ covers knowledge about past, present and the future, all the three dimensions of time. So,YUDDHAM PRAGYA’ is a very meaningful motto. You build upon the experiences of the past, align such learning to the current context and upgrade your knowledge to become ready for the future.

I am sure that your professional learning here at DSSC will enable you to imbibe the required competencies. It will equip you with the right toolkit to take on bigger challenges in the future.

In order to become effective leaders of men and women, you will have to demonstrate excellence in personal and professional domains. Confidence, courage, endurance, integrity, humility, and simplicity will strengthen you as a person. Continuous learning of cutting-edge technologies, state-of-the-art strategies and tactics, and latest developments will make you sound professionals.

I wish thestudent officers and distinguished faculty, the very best, in your joint learning endeavours.

Thank you,

JAI HIND!

Address by the Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind at Defence Services Staff College Read More

Olympic Medalist PV Sindhu receives an unforgettable welcome home

 

Olympic Medalist PV Sindhu receives an unforgettable welcome home


PV Sindhu is India’s icon, inspiration and has caught the imagination of every Indian who dreams of playing for the country: Shri Anurag Singh Thakur


PV Sindhu is amongst India’s greatest
Olympians: Sports Minister

Posted On: 03 AUG 2021 7:41PM by PIB Delhi

Key Highlight:

  • Union Ministers Smt. NirmalaSitharaman, Shri G Kishan Reddy and Shri NisithPramanik also attended the event and felicitated P V Sindhu
  • P V Sindhu said that  I would like to thank my parents for their constant support and scarifies and my coach for working with me and making this dream come true

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports ShriAnurag Singh Thakur today felicitated ace badminton player P.V. Sindhu upon her return home after becoming the first Indian woman to win two Olympic Games medals, after she claimed bronze with a straight games victory over He Bing Jiao in Tokyo2020.

​​​​​In felicitating Sindhu and her coach Park Tae Sang at a warm ceremony, Shri Thakur was joined by Union Finance Minister Smt. NirmalaSitharaman; Union Minister of Culture, Tourism and Development of North-Eastern Region Shri G Kishan Reddy and Minister of State of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri NisithPramanik, Secretary Sports, Shri Ravi Mittal and senior officers of the Sports Ministry. Sindhu’s parents P Vijaya and PV Ramana travelled from Hyderabad to be part of the programme. Members of Parliament Shri ShyamBapu Rao, Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar, ShriArvindDharmapuri and Shri TG Venkatesh also graced the event.

Speaking at the event, Shri Thakur said, “PV Sindhu is amongst India’s greatest Olympians. She is India’s icon, inspiration and has caught the imagination of every Indian who dreams of playing for the country. Her incredible achievement – that of winning two Olympic medals in two consecutive Olympic Games will inspire a generation of budding athletes. Her success shows how the Target Olympic Podium scheme of the government has nurtured our Olympic hopefuls towards a podium finish. Just before setting off for Tokyo Olympics, she had an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and right after her victory he was the first person to call her and congratulate her. The nation of 130 crore Indians is thrilled by her smashing performance!”

A visibly elated Sindhu said, “ I would like to thank each one of my fans because of the support and though we played without fans in the stadium, but I am sure billions have supported me from India and this success is the result of their wishes. I would like to thank my parents for their constant support and scarifies and my coach for working with me and making this dream come true.”she said.

Addressing on the occasion, SmtNirmalaSitharaman said that Sindhu is a great sportsperson and she has repeatedly proved herself so. What has contributed to her success are meticulous preparation, world class training facilities at Gadchibowli, a great coach, family support and Sindhu’s own perseverance, grit and excellence in the field of play.” It’s a day when all Indians can derive absolute inspiration and motivation, ” she said. She further added “What an inspiration, what a motivation she will be for generations to come. “

Speaking at the occasion Shri Reddy said, “P.V Sindhu’s podium finish at the Tokyo Olympic Games is a story of many firsts – She is the first Indian woman to win 2 Olympic medals and the only Indian to win medals in 2 consecutive Olympic Games. Behind these statistics is a lifetime of passion, grit and sacrifices. Early morning practices and late-night workouts were her “new normal” for many years. As a Telugu, seeing a Telugu bidda and a Hyderabadi achieve this fills my heart with pride. Further, Sindhu’s success will inspire not just 65 lakh Hyderabadis or 6.5 crore Telugus or 65 crore Indian women and girls but the whole of India. I congratulate her once again on this spectacular achievement.”

Speaking at the event Shri. Pramanik said, “Kudos to PV Sindhu for creating history by becoming the 1st Indian Woman to clinch her 2nd consecutive Olympic Medal. Her dedication, sincerity, humility and sporting spirit will continue to be an inspiration for all. India is proud of you”.

The Government funded Sindhu to the tune of nearly Rs 4 crore in the last Olympic cycle, including travel to 52 international tournaments besides training camps in Hyderabad. Besides, in collaboration with Telangana Government, it facilitated her training in the Gachibowli Stadium ahead of the Olympic Games.

Sindhu is the second Indian athlete to return home with a medal from Tokyo2020 after weightlifter MirabaiChanu who won the 49kg class silver on July 24. Boxer LovlinaBorgohain, who is assured of a 69kg class medal, will compete in the semifinal against BusenazSurmeneli (Turkey) on Wednesday.





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Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship organizes a webinar on Skills, Entrepreneurship Development and Employability: Challenges & Opportunities

 

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship organizes a webinar on Skills, Entrepreneurship Development and Employability: Challenges & Opportunities

Posted On: 03 AUG 2021 7:46PM by PIB Delhi

On the first anniversary of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, mapping a vital shift in India’s education system, a webinar on the theme ‘Skills, Entrepreneurship Development and Employability: Challenges & Opportunities’ was organized today by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). Minister of State, MSDE Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar delivered his keynote address on the occasion as a chief guest. The occasion was also graced by the presence of notable speakers including Mr. Raj Nehru, Vice Chancellor, Vishwakarma Skill Development University, Government of Haryana; Dr. Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi, Chairperson, NCVET; Shri Manoj Ahuja, Chairman, CBSE; Ms. Jahnabi Phookan, involved in Entrepreneurship Advocacy in Northeast and Ms. Anuradha Vemuri, Joint Secretary, MSDE




Addressing the participants Shri Chandrashekhar said that as we celebrate the one year of NEP 2020, five years of Skill Development and 75 years of Independence, the Government is committed to ensure the academic welfare and bright future of the students. The Minister said that in line with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, National Education Policy is transformational and with the curricular integration of vocational training, it will create attractive career platforms for students. He informed that Skill ministry is closely working with Ministry of Education to make PM’s vision of skilling, reskilling and upskilling for our youth a success.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Ravi Mital, Secretary, MSDE, said that the implementation of National Education Policy 2020 is crucial in integrating vocational and formal education. The policy provides us a roadmap to introduce steady reforms, he added. Shri Mittal hoped that with this vision document, the more fundamental reforms will take place in our education system.

The discussion focused on the alignment of NEP 2020 with the skill and entrepreneurship initiatives of MSDE with an aim to make vocational education aspirational. MSDE seeks to provide skill training to facilitate employability of youth and equip them to take up market driven employment options. Towards this, the ministry is implementing various schemes and programmes for creating a necessary ecosystem for skill development and entrepreneurship promotion through short-term and long-term skill trainings.

Skill development and entrepreneurial policies have been developed within the context of India’s unique demographic profile and nature of workforce. India is home to the second largest population in the world, with over 50% of India’s population below the age of 25. As per available data, by 2030, the country will have the world’s youngest and largest workforce, exceeding one billion. With almost 80% of the workforce informally employed, it is important to improve employment opportunities through targeted skilling and employment generation initiatives.




Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship organizes a webinar on Skills, Entrepreneurship Development and Employability: Challenges & Opportunities Read More

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh calls for Global Scientific Collaboration for bringing “Ease of Living” for common man.

 

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh calls for Global Scientific Collaboration for bringing “Ease of Living” for common man.

Chairs the Indo-Swedish meeting on Science and Technology and Innovation

Posted On: 02 AUG 2021 6:06PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today called for Global Scientific Collaboration for bringing “Ease of Living” for common man. A Swedish Delegation led by Ambassador KlasMolin called on the Union Minister to discuss and review bilateral cooperation in Science and Technology and Innovation.

The Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Professor K. VijayRaghavan, Secretary, DST, Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary DBT, Smt. RenuSwarup, DG, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, Shri Shekhar Mande and other senior officers of the Ministry took part in the meeting.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership Science and Technology got special impetus in the last 6-7 years and the scientific pursuits and endeavours are being assigned special importance. He said, the ultimate goal of all Scientific Innovations should be that it reaches every household like happened in case of Space Technology. He said, India and Sweden are best positioned to take the S&T partnership forward and particularly emphasised the early operationalisation of Smart Grid Project in the wake of challenges of Climate Change.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, both the Governments proposed to launch a new joint call on Circular economy including the themes such as Health Science and Waste to Wealth by the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology and Swedish VINNOVA soon. The Minister recalled that Joint Declaration on India-Sweden Innovation Partnership and the Joint Action Plan adopted during the visit of the Prime Minister of India in April 2018 identified the Energy Sector as an important area for taking forward concrete cooperation between the two countries. He said, the 6th Joint Committee held on 2nd May 2019 between two countries identified several important themes for S&T cooperation such as Smart Cities, Clean Technologies, Circular economy etc.

In his address, Ambassador KlasMolin said that the cooperation is happening in an organic fashion and it has the blessings of top leadership from both the countries. He also called for a Joint Action Plan for a sustainable future and creation of more employment opportunities in both the countries. He said, the number of Indian Skilled Workers are continuously growing in Sweden as roughly 50,000 are currently gainfully employed.

Prime Ministers of India and Sweden recently had a meeting on 5th March 2021 in which Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation welcomed the launch of a second joint industrial R&D call on Smart and Sustainable Cities, Transport Systems, Clean Technologies and Digitalization and Internet of Things under India-Sweden Collaborative Industrial Research & Development Programme, and welcomed cooperation in Smart Energy Grids amongst many other things.

On the day of virtual summit, 5th March 2021, both the Governments, through DST and VINNOVA (Swedish Research & Development Agency) launched joint call on Smart Cities, Clean Technologies, Digitalization including Internet of Things, Machine Learning etc. Under this call, 22 applications have been received jointly from various sector like IOT, AI, Healthcare, Solar, Smart Grid, Smart transport and Cleantech. The evaluation of these project proposals is in process.

The program aims to foster and support the development of collaborative R&D projects that bring together companies, research organizations, academics and other collaborators from both countries for the joint development of innovative products or processes in the following technology sectors:

  1. Smart and sustainable cities and transport systems
  2. Clean technologies, IoT and digitalization

This may include, but is not limited to:

  • Transport & Mobility; Electrical vehicles, Autonomous vehicles, Traffic safety, Mobility as a service, Reduction in traffic congestion, Digital solutions, etc.
  • Environmental technologies (Eco–system services, clean water and air, Waste management, Renewable energy, etc.)
  • Circular and bio-based economy (Bio-based materials, Bio-fuels, Resource efficiency in consumption and production, Waste-to-wealth, etc.)
  • Energy (Reduced energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, Alternative fuels and mobile energy sources, Renewable energy, Energy storage, Resource-efficient infrastructure planning, etc.)
  • City planning (ICT for urban technical supply, Geodata, tools for dialogue with citizens, etc.)




Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh calls for Global Scientific Collaboration for bringing “Ease of Living” for common man. Read More

Previous Manipur Congress President, Shri Govindas Konthoujam joined Bhartiya Janta Gathering today

 

Previous Manipur Congress President, Shri Govindas Konthoujam joined Bhartiya Janta Gathering today!

Pic credited by social media platforms

Pic credited by social media platforms

Giving a significant lift to BJP Manipur Pradesh, previous Manipur Congress President, Shri Govindas Konthoujam joined Bhartiya Janta Gathering today in presence of Shri Sambit Patra, Prabhari BJP Manipur, Shri Anil Baluni, Public Media In-control and Public Representative, BJP, Smt A Sharda Devi, President BJP Manipur, Hon’ble Association Priest of State for Outer Issues and Instruction, Shri RK Ranjan and Hon’ble MP (RS) Shri Leisemba Sanajaoba. 

Pic credited by social media platforms


Afterward, we approached Shri J.P.Nadda Ji, Public President BJP to look for his direction as we push ahead to fortify the gathering further in Manipur. 

Pic credited by social media platforms


I praise Shri Govindas Konthoujam on joining the BJP and anticipate cooperating to satisfy Hon’ble Leader Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas.

Previous Manipur Congress President, Shri Govindas Konthoujam joined Bhartiya Janta Gathering today Read More