“Students get a glow on their faces whenever there is a talk of getting an opportunity to work in DRDO”, stated Prof Dinesh Singh, Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi, addressing a galaxy of DU academicians and top DRDO scientists during a brief ceremony held here last evening, in which DRDO and University of Delhi entered a memorandum of understanding aimed at enhancing academic interaction and R&D collaboration. “It is imperative for a University to serve the country and this MOU is a step in this direction”, stated Prof Singh. 

Dr Vijay Kumar Saraswat, SA to RM, Secretary Dept. of Defence R&D and DG, DRDO, in his address highlighted the longstanding relationship of mutual collaboration between DU and DRDO right from the days of Prof DS Kothari, the first SA to RM and an eminent physicist from the University of Delhi. Congratulating the gathering, he described the MOU as a step in formalizing the collaborative efforts between the two great institutions and making them more focused. Emphasizing the role of academic institutions in development of newer technologies, especially certain key areas for collaboration such as laser physics, cyber security, cryptography, nanotechnology, MEMS, and sensors for specific applications. 

Dr Bhujanga Rao, Distinguished Scientist and Chief Controller R&D (HR), DRDO stated that coming together of these two great organisations will provide synergy and the MOU will be an excellent opportunity for all stakeholders. Shri R K Sinha, Registrar, University of Delhi, Prof. Madan Mohan Chaturvedi, Head, Cluster Innovation Centre, Dr A K Singh, Director, Human Resources Development, DRDO, Directors of Delhi based laboratories of DRDO and several senior professors of DU were present during the ceremony.