Takeaway from “Operation Sindoor” for the   entrepreneurs of Bihar trying to reposition Bihar through Technological initiatives

Takeaway from “Operation Sindoor” for the   entrepreneurs of Bihar trying to reposition Bihar through Technological initiatives -S.K. Singh, Ex-Scientist-DRDO and Social Entrepreneur.

The current conflict between India and Pakistan is at halt through ceasefire at least for the time being. But if we analyse the outcome leading to ceasefire request from Pakistan,  it is crystal clear that India proved its superior technological warfare capabilities  and defeated the combined technological power of Pakistan and China from modern warfare perspective.

The undisputed leader emerged out in this context is the 4-5 decades endeavours of DRDO and PSUs which delivered Air Defence System like Akashteer which is now getting compared with “Iron Dome” of Israel and Akashteer is rated superior than Israel  system due to its mobility and scalability features. Much has been talked about Russian S-400 System, but this conflict proved the indigenously developed Akash missile outperformed all the modern-day equipment for short range Air Defence system in its class.

As per media reports Akash missile intercepted 2 Chines and American Jets  used by Pakistan in their Pakistan territory and destroyed them. This deterred Pakistan forces not using any fighter jets further in the conflict. This is a snapshot of a few of the capabilities DRDO has developed along with the support of Public sector units and now Government of India is associating Private companies for Development of Defence equipment through “Make in India” initiatives. Government of Uttar Pradesh in association with Ministry of Defence  has recently defined at least 4 areas as “Defence Corridors” including  Lucknow and Chitrakoot to facilitate private companies for development and production of  Defence equipment. 

Defence is a big market, and it will increase down the line in terms of India’s budget. Other states having DRDO labs have advantage of ambience of creating ancillary systems of companies for supporting DRDO labs through small developments and prototype. What about Bihar? Why we cannot demand a DRDO Lab in Bihar?  Bihar does not have any DRDO, ISRO or CSIR lab to the best of my knowledge. We are leaders in matter of Caste census and propagating narratives to keep the people backward, is not it?

Have the intellectuals and NRIs of Bihar who invite Political leaders in their programs of seminar, workshop and other function and seen desperate in shooting photograph and selfie with them ever demanded formally a DRDO Lab in Bihar? The answer is NO. Why we cannotask political parties and demand from them a DRDO Lab in Bihita, where IIT and NIT is situated through Sushashan Babu?  Why can we not make a pressure group to make sure politicians listen to our voice to get Bihar in high Technology development through Defence Products well before Bihar Assembly elections scheduled in October/ November 2025?

Defence Research and Development (R&D) can indirectly create a technology-rich environment in a neighbourhood by fostering innovation, attracting talent, and stimulating economic growth. This is achieved through funding research, developing new technologies, and promoting collaborations between academia, industry, and Défense organizations. Defence R&D often involves significant funding, which can be directed towards universities and research institutions in the area. This funding can be used to build infrastructure, hire researchers, and support research projects, ultimately enhancing the technological capabilities of the region. DRDO labs benefit other states through knowledge sharing, technological advancements, and industrial growth opportunities. DRDO’s research and development efforts, coupled with its “Transfer of Technology” program, contribute to a more robust Défense ecosystem and national development. Why it cannot happen in Bihar?

Patna was an education hub at one point and now it is confined to coaching hub. When we step out of Railway station or Airport, we see big hoarding of Political parties and ministers promoting different voting segments. At least some of these hoardingswill get replaced by Technological hoardings if Government of Bihar also declare few areas as defence corridors and mount political pressure to set up a DRDO lab in the state. Let’s think about it.

We should not forget Patna as a town or city was established due to strategic needs of defence requirements by Magadh empire to take control over Lichhavi Ganrajya in Vaishali. The regular capital of Magadh was Rajgir and down the line Patna got importance due to its strategic location. History repeats itself and we never know if Bihar gets repositioned through Technology in the map of India through defence related technological developments….. Think about it…. NRIs of Bihar working in USA, Europe  and other parts may find reasons to return back in entrepreneurship model to develop high technology for the country and for the market…..who knows… . – SK Singh