Port Blair, Feb 28: Eminent scientist, founder and CEO BrahMos Aerospace Dr A. Sivathanu Pillai graced the National Science Day celebration in JNRM and addressed the students and faculty. National Science Day, in memory of Dr. C.V. Raman, was celebrated in JNRM on 28th February. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai, regarded as the ‘Father of BrahMos’ supersonic missile and was conferred with Padma Shri (2002) and Padma Bhushan (2013) by GOI for his contribution to aerospace and missile technologies. He was also awarded the ‘Order of Friendship’ by the Govt. of Russian Federation, the highest Russian Award for any foreign citizen. Dr Pillai gave a detailed presentation on the topic ‘Innovation & Inspirational Leadership’ and mentioned that India has made a huge stride in space and cruise missile technology, manufacturing of indigenous cruise missiles and launching pads comparable to any developed country. He exhorted the students to come forward and utilize the available resources in the best possible way for their all round development. Dr. N. Francis Xavier, Principal, JNRM mentioned that India has become self reliant in defense areas due to the untiring efforts of the scientists working in different defense research institutes. Dr. K. Venkatesan, HOD Home Science & Convener of the Program mentioned that such motivational talks will go a long way in promoting scientific temper among the students. The program was well attended by invited guests from IGNOU, DBRAIT, Pondicherry University Brookshabad Campus, representatives of Lions Club and students and faculty members of JNRM. The welcome address was given by Mr. J. Goutham, HOD Zoology and vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Dipon Sharmah, HOD Botany, JNRM. The programme was moderated by Dr. Nitika Garhia, Lecturer, Home Science, JNRM.
