Rajnath Singh attends 21st convocation of Tezpur University, aims to build defence ecosystem

Tezpur University celebrated its 21st convocation with great fervour today. Defense Minister of India, Rajnath Singh, was the distinguished chief guest, adding an air of prestige to this milestone ceremony.

The convocation commenced with the inaugural address by Vice-Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh, setting the tone for this significant academic event.

In his address at the convocation, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh extended heartfelt congratulations to everyone present expressed gratitude to the faculty for their dedication and urged the graduating students to cherish the values instilled during their academic journey. Drawing inspiration from Vivekananda, Singh highlighted the importance of character in one’s life.

Singh also passionately advocated for innovation, citing India’s efforts to foster self-reliance through imposed restrictions.

Singh said, “Our government is developing a strong base of domestic defence industrial ecosystem to make India a strategic economy”.

Highlighting the various steps taken by the Ministry of Defence, Singh stressed that for the first time, the import of arms went down while exports rose.

“We issued at least five positive indigenisation lists, under which 509 defence equipment have been identified whose manufacturing will now be done indigenously”, he stated.

“We have also issued four positive indigenisation lists of Defence Public Sector Undertakings, in which 4,666 items have been identified and these will now be manufactured in our country,” he added.

Vice-Chancellor Shambhunath Singh also announced that Tezpur University will establish a Lachit Barphukan Defense Study Center.

The Defense Minister assured full support and cooperation for the establishment of this center after the announcement was made by the Vice-Chancellor.