BHUBANESWAR: The prototypes of missiles produced by DRDO will be on display at the Make-in-Odisha conclave. It is for the first time in the country that the missiles are being showcased at a civilian event with participation of Integrated Test Range (ITR) and Proof and Experimental Establishments (PXE), both the key wings of the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO).
The conclave, aimed at providing a platform for industries in India to showcase their manufacturing prowess and experience of investing in Odisha in specific, has brought an opportunity for everyone to know the country’s defence power and Odisha’s contribution in the sector.
The guided missiles which are on display include Agni, Prithvi, BrahMos, Trishul, Nag and Akash. The defence authorities have made arrangements to make people aware about the missile systems through both graphical and visual demonstrations.
ITR Director Dr B K Das said this is for the first time that the missile models have been displayed in Bhubaneswar. The models are usually displayed at the defence expos or during the Republic Day parade at New Delhi.
“People don’t know much about the missiles and how those are developed. Following the request of the organisers we decided to put the models in place so that people can have an idea on our defence capabilities,” Dr Das said.
“I had seen the missiles in television. It is really a rare opportunity for me to watch those so closely,” said Bimal Agarwal, an IT professional.
Apart from the world-class test ranges at Chandipur, Army Air Defence College at Gopalpur, Navy base at INS Chilika, ordnance factory at Badmal in Balangir district and an Aviation Research Centre (ARC) at Charbatia in Cuttack district, Odisha is home to a defence manufacturing institution Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Koraput.
New uniform for skilled youths
Bhubaneswar: New sets of uniform for Skilled-in-Odisha was launched to mark the Make in Odisha Conclave. The new designs for skill training, ITI and polytechnic was unveiled at a ramp walk by trainees of Skilled-in-Odisha at the inauguration of the three-day event. Odisha Skill Development Authority, Skill Development and Technical Education Department had initiated the design to promote discipline, self-esteem and pride among the youths. The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Bhubaneswar was roped in for designing the uniform. The institute made a survey of skill training centres of various departments, ITI and polytechnic to finalise the design.
Rout gives dias a skip
Bhubaneswar: Excise Minister Damodar Rout manages to make news no matter what the occasion is. At the inaugural show of Make in Odisha Conclave, the veteran was requested to be on the main stage with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik alongside his colleagues, senior Government officers and other dignitaries. But Rout did not.Interestingly, as the organisers mentioned names of Ministers present on the occasion, the Excise Minister’s name did not figure in it. Before it was too late, someone passed on a chit to the anchor and Rout’s name was called out. However, the senior political leader preferred to remain off the stage. Not long ago, Rout had stayed off the stage at a party meet. When queried, he had said a knee pain had prevented him from climbing on to the dais.
Lack of social media presence
Bhubaneswar: Investment summits are a lot about branding, grabbing eyeballs and creating a buzz in the social media space. Seems like Team Odisha, which is spearheading the investment promotion campaign for the State, has forgotten it. Its official Twitter handle @InvestInOdisha stopped posting updates since Tuesday. The last post, 'The stage is set for the #MakeinOdishaConclave,' was at 2 pm on November 29.