Srinagar, Mar 10: A five-day Bootcamp on “Intelligent and Secure Drone Technology” was inaugurated at National Institute of Technology Srinagar (NIT Srinagar) in collaboration with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) Jammu & Kashmir, supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the SwaYaan initiative. The program brings together students, engineers, researchers, and professionals for hands-on training in advanced drone technologies.
In his welcome address, Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran highlighted the growing importance of drones across sectors including security, disaster management, surveillance, agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure monitoring. He stressed the need to develop indigenous expertise in UAV design and operation, integrating engineering, electronics, and artificial intelligence to create secure and intelligent drone systems.
Prof. Sheikh Nazir Ahmed presented an overview of the collaborative NIT–NIELIT Drone Program, focusing on research, training, and capacity building in unmanned aerial systems. The bootcamp covers drone components, DGCA regulations, flight simulation, FPV drone assembly, logistics drones, UAV structural analysis, AI applications, and hands-on flight testing.
Participants include representatives from security and disaster response agencies such as the CRPF and NDMA, professionals from drone technology firms, as well as faculty and students from various academic institutions, reflecting strong collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
Organizers also announced a forthcoming six-month advanced drone training program, which will focus on drone design, UAV electronics, autonomous navigation, AI integration, and real-world applications, aimed at developing skilled professionals for India’s rapidly growing drone ecosystem.
During the inaugural ceremony, several dignitaries addressed the gathering:
- Dr. M. Hanief, HoD Mechanical Engineering, NIT Srinagar, emphasized the department’s focus on emerging technologies.
- Dr. Fayaz Ahmed, Joint Director, NIELIT, highlighted national initiatives promoting drone innovation and skill development.
- Dr. Ummer Iqbal Khan, Joint Director, NIELIT, stressed capacity building in advanced technologies.
- Prof. Binodh Kanaujia, Director, NIT Srinagar, underscored the role of academia in advancing technological innovation and sustainable development.
- Prof. Atikur Rehman, Registrar, NIT Srinagar, emphasized the transformative potential of drone technology in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in improving accessibility, monitoring resources, and enhancing public services.
- Mr. Ashaq Hussain Dar, In-Charge Director, NIELIT J&K, highlighted the importance of developing a skilled workforce while addressing ethical, regulatory, and security aspects of drones.
The bootcamp aims to provide participants with comprehensive exposure to drone technologies, focusing on technical knowledge, practical applications, and secure operational practices. It emphasizes the integration of design, navigation, data collection, and surveillance applications to prepare professionals for emerging challenges in unmanned aerial systems.
This initiative strengthens collaboration between government agencies, industry, and academia, reinforcing the role of drone technology as a tool for innovation, security, and development in the region.
