I am delighted to be among you all on this momentous occasion. It is indeed a historic moment not only for the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), but also for the whole country to have a state-of-the-art facility to manufacture Cryogenic and Semi-cryogenic Engines. I am told that it will cater to the needs of the Indian Space Programs, thereby adding to the many achievements of our country. I congratulate all the people associated with this prestigious project.

I understand that this facility is created with joint effort of HAL and ISRO Hi-tech equipment have been commissioned to achieve the stringent requirement of space programs. HAL collaborated with ISRO in 1983 and extended its manufacturing expertise for the equipment required in the space programs of ISRO. What followed proved to the world, the capability of our country.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has contributed immensely to India’s self reliance in defence. It can be said that HAL has been the force behind the forces. HAL has time and again demonstrated its capabilities in research, development and manufacturing of various Aircraft Platforms.

Indian Space Research Organisation has been the pride of the nation. When this institution started operations in the 1960s, India was still a young Republic, facing challenges of severe poverty and illiteracy. But the potential which we held was immense. The rapid pace, with which ISRO has grown, caught the attention of even the most advanced and technologically developed countries. Sincere efforts and dedication of ISRO have made India emerge as only the sixth country in the world to have Cryogenic Engine Manufacturing Capabilities.

The satellites launched by ISRO give us deep insight into various aspects of defence and communication. The remote sensing satellites or those which help in communication, weather forecast etc help the people at large in their day to day lives. ISRO’s contribution in bringing the communication revolution in the nation has made it possible to reach even the remotest areas of country. Most importantly, as each rocket is launched by ISRO, it propels the aspirations of more than 130 crore people of our country.

HAL and ISRO together contribute to strategic defence and development. Both the organizations have played a major role in the development of various equipment and programmes which have reinforced the security and development of our country. HAL with its high end facility of manufacturing defence related equipment has proved to be an invaluable asset for our country.

India, as a nation, is taking quick strides to become an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Such steps bring a fresh hope and inspiration in the people of India. I hope that we would continue to tread this path of progress in a steadfast manner.

The glorious past of HAL and ISRO gives us an assurance that they will continue to play a significant and positive role in the future as India enters the Amrit Kaal. By 2047, when we will celebrate the 100 years of Independence, the world around us would have changed drastically. Just as we were in no position 25 years ago to imagine the contemporary world, we cannot visualise today how Artificial Intelligence and automation are going to transform life. We have completed 75 years as an independent country. We are looking ahead at the next 25 years as the period to re-imagine India and make it a developed country. It is our joint responsibility to ensure that the India of 2047 will be a much more prosperous and strong nation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On this historic occasion, I am reminded of my esteemed predecessor Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. Though we know him as the 'Missile Man of India', but there was another aspect of his life on which I would like to throw some light. He constantly pursued the path of technological development along with social inclusion. Science can bring a phenomenal revolution and touch the lives of masses. Dr Kalam too touched the lives of the masses by designing the ‘Kalam-Raju stent’. It was an indigenous coronary stent which helped thousands of patients as it was affordable in comparison to the imported coronary stents.

What I mean to say is that the spirit of indigenisation which was pursued by Dr Kalam has great positive impact on our society. The hard work and research pursued by our scientists can save the lives of many people. I urge the scientist community of India to pursue the path of social responsibility.

Recently, we faced a major threat in the form of Covid pandemic. But the resilience and extraordinary effort of our doctors and scientists helped us deal with the crisis. Our response to the pandemic has been appreciated everywhere. We launched the biggest vaccination drive in human history with vaccines manufactured in the country itself. We have even crossed the 215 crore mark in vaccine coverage. In combating the pandemic, our achievements have been better than those of many developed countries. For this feat, we are grateful to our scientists, doctors, nurses, paramedics and the staff associated with vaccination.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Every challenge makes us think about the need to face it and prevent its recurrence. I say this because today we need to prepare ourselves to face not just the traditional challenges but even the unforeseen ones. I am happy to know that, learning from our past experience, the government has taken the initiative to encourage research and development especially in the field of virus discovery and its prevention.

I am glad to know that Indian Council of Medical Research has provided exemplary support for effective COVID management and is expanding its research infrastructure. National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune under Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is also taking all possible steps to increase R&D in the field of virology. It is good to know that the National Institute of Virology has been designated as one of the collaborating laboratories of World Health Organization. The expansion of National Institute of Virology through Zonal Campuses across the country catering to the demands in the different geographical regions is praiseworthy. I am pleased to have laid the foundation stone of the first such Campus of National Institute of Virology at Bengaluru, through virtual mode today.

In the end, I would like to once again congratulate HAL and ISRO for the development of the cryogenic engine manufacturing facility. Before I conclude, I would like to extend Dussehra greetings to the armed forces, to the scientific and technological community present here who continue to make their motherland proud. My best wishes to all of you.

Thank you! 
Jai Hind!