In a pioneering effort to equip Manipur’s youth with cutting-edge skills, the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Manipur, successfully concluded the state’s first-ever Drone Training Capsule on July 23, 2025. The week-long program was conducted from July 19 to 23 at IIIT Imphal and brought together 140 young participants eager to explore the potential of drone technology across various sectors.
The training was led by experts from IIT Dhanbad, with a comprehensive curriculum designed to introduce participants to theory, practical applications, safety protocols, and real-world use cases of drones — ranging from agricultural management and surveillance to disaster response and environmental monitoring.
Hosted under the guidance of the Drone Training Node at Modi (Chandel) of Assam Rifles, this initiative underscores the organization’s commitment to civil-military synergy and youth empowerment in the region.
During the grand felicitation ceremony held at IIIT Imphal, senior officials from Assam Rifles and IIIT Manipur lauded the success of the capsule. In their addresses, they emphasized the transformative potential of drone technology for the economic, environmental, and security landscape of the North East.
Brigadier-level officers from Assam Rifles hailed the training as a landmark moment for the state. “This initiative is not just about drones; it's about building a future where technology empowers our youth and strengthens the fabric of our communities,” said a senior official.
The initiative is a part of a larger vision by the Assam Rifles to foster innovation and skill-building in border areas through partnerships with premier institutions. It also aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Drone Shakti’ mission, which aims to boost the use of drone technology across civilian domains.
Participants, including students, local entrepreneurs, and aspiring drone pilots, received hands-on training in drone assembly, operation, aerial mapping, and data analysis. They were also introduced to regulatory guidelines and future career opportunities in the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) sector.
The capsule is being celebrated as a model of effective collaboration between security forces and academia, particularly in a region where skill development is key to addressing both unemployment and social challenges.
Professors from IIIT Manipur praised the initiative for its practical orientation and timely relevance, especially for Manipur’s youth seeking modern, tech-driven career pathways.
“This partnership with Assam Rifles shows how educational institutions and the armed forces can work together to create real impact,” said a faculty member from IIIT.
Following the capsule’s success, Assam Rifles announced its intention to expand such training programs across other districts of Manipur and neighboring northeastern states. Plans are underway to establish permanent training nodes and drone labs in collaboration with academic institutions and government bodies.
Participants were felicitated with certificates, and several top performers were awarded for their excellence during the training.
With this initiative, Assam Rifles reaffirms its role not just as a security force, but as a catalyst for growth, technology, and opportunity in the North East.
The skies of Manipur now carry a new hope — of youth trained in flight, grounded in knowledge, and ready to soar into a tech-powered future.