ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SMT. DROUPADI MURMU AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CUM EXHIBITION ON ‘AEROSPACE AND AVIATION IN 2047’ ORGANISED BY THE AERONAUTICAL SOCIETY OF INDIA TO COMMEMORATE ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY

I am happy to take part in the function organised to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Aeronautical Society of India, an organisation which is rightly credited with revolutionising the modern life in many ways. 

From its humble beginnings in 1948 till today, for 75 years, the Aeronautical Society of India has worked tirelessly to ensure that not only the aeronautics as a knowledge-system grows by leaps and bounds, but it also impacts life of every citizen in a substantial manner.

I am delighted to learn that the Aeronautical Society of India has 19 Branches at all the important centres of aviation in the country. It has a membership of more than 14,000 drawn from all major aeronautical establishments and has 63 Corporate Members from both national and international sectors. 

I congratulate all of you on this remarkable journey and extend greetings to all of you for your outstanding contribution to the advancement and dissemination of the knowledge of aeronautical sciences and aircraft engineering that has made the aeronautical profession as one of the most sought-after and glamorous careers.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

The theme of this Conference reads “Aerospace and Aviation in 2047 - 75 Years of Advanced Aeronautics in India - Achievements, Challenges and Beyond”. I have been told that this Conference is a milestone in the boundless world of aviation, showcasing cutting-edge and pioneering technologies, and visionary insights into the aviation industry's future.  
I am happy to know that some of the highlights of this Conference include issues such as green Initiatives by Aero Industries; the impact of Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and machine learning on avionics; human capital development and infrastructure growth; empowering women in the sector and encouraging startups for creative disruptions. 

The Aeronautical Society of India, on its 75th anniversary, is introducing the Startup Quest 2023 which offers up to rupees 2 lakhs as prototype grant to three innovative startups. This is a praiseworthy and admirable step for nurturing, identifying and promoting talent. 

I commend the entire aerospace and aviation community for their efforts and contribution to the Amritkaal vision of the technology-driven and knowledge-based economy. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Aviation is a remarkable feat of human ingenuity that brings the imaginative power to reality with seamless fusion of technology. Aerospace and aviation are simultaneously humbling and almost superhuman activities that afford us the vast global connection of the planet we inhabit and exploration of space and beyond.

As we celebrate the journey of the Aeronautical Society of India, we cannot help but marvel at the achievements and breakthroughs our nation has made in the fields of aviation and aerospace, space technology, missile technology and aircraft technology.

Whether it is the feat of successful completion of the Mars mission or showcasing the end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving near the Moon's South Pole - a place considered beyond human endeavour, India has proved that it has the willpower, potential, and capacity to accomplish what it sets out to achieve. The highest standards of quality, cost-effectiveness and punctuality have been the hallmarks of all of our projects. Future Aditya L1 and Gaganyaan missions will not only boost India’s standing and embolden research but will also help humanity as a whole.

In the year 2003, in his speech, at the Seminar-cum-Exhibition Aerospace Technology Challenges in the Millennium, my illustrious predecessor, President APJ Kalam called for self-reliance in Aerospace systems to enable us to stand steadfast during critical times with the flexibility to make configuration changes.

The impetus towards self-reliance has happened in a big way. In the last decade, several policies and other initiatives have been taken that cover wide ranging issues like: the implementation of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), enhancement of public-private partnerships, encouragement of MSMEs, increasing FDI via direct route, preference for Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) products, establishing defence corridors, and commissioning of the indigenously designed hypersonic wind tunnel. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Though we have made long strides, there also remain many challenges. The aerospace sector has been undergoing a transformative phase by bracing up for speed and runway-independent technologies for defence purposes, air mobility and transportation. There is also the demanding task of cultivating human resources well-versed and ready to tackle these issues in right earnest. At the same time, there is also a need for upskilling and reskilling of the current workforce.

The Aerospace industry is no stranger to innovations, disruptions and challenges. I am sure that all the industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts gathered here today and all the aerospace professionals and policymakers will take up these challenges and resolve for the better future.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

The Decarbonization of aero-propulsion is an onerous task we will have to undertake because climate change and global warming are threatening the very existence of humans.

The development of sustainable jet fuels is one of the much-needed steps to decarbonize the economy but it is hardest to achieve because traditional fuels are of very high density. Finding non-fossil sustainable resources which could replace these traditional fuels should be the priority objective because we are approaching a climate tipping point. To reduce our carbon footprint, we need to rapidly adopt new propulsion technologies at a large scale, such as electric, hydrogen, and hybrid.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

With the trust and belief that this Conference would provide valuable solutions to many of the challenges, I once again applaud the Aeronautical Society of India for its 75 years of dedicated service to the nation and relentless commitment to the advancement of the reservoir of knowledge. I wish you all the best and hope that this Conference will enrich, expand and enhance the awareness and understanding of aerospace.

I would exhort all of you to dream which defies all limits and redefines the possibilities of scientific discovery, enliven the stars which illuminate skies, and investigate the cosmos which remains unexplored.

Thank you, 
Jai Hind! 
Jai Bharat!