Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh stresses the importance of AI and quantum technologies in strengthening India’s defence and cybersecurity.
He was the chief guest on the occasion of IIT Mandi’s 16th Foundation Day in Mandi.
Shimla:
IIT Mandi marked its 16th Foundation Day by reflecting on its legacy of excellence and transformative contributions to the fields of AI, robotics, drone technology, AR-VR, quantum science, and semiconductor research. The Institute, which has grown into a hub for cutting-edge technological research and innovation, is now recognized as a leader in advancing artificial intelligence, robotics, material science, and quantum technology.
A significant highlight of the day was the development of IIT Mandi’s 16-channel quantum neuromorphic computer, designed specifically for military-grade cybersecurity applications. This breakthrough, aimed at protecting defence communications from cyber threats and espionage using quantum cryptography, aligns with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology and marks a major stride towards self-reliance in quantum-powered defence systems. Looking ahead, IIT Mandi plans to develop a 64-channel quantum neuromorphic computer to further enhance these capabilities.
The Foundation Day celebrations were graced by the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, who delivered a keynote address stressing the importance of AI and quantum technologies in strengthening India’s defence and cybersecurity. Rajnath Singh urged IIT Mandi’s students to take active roles in developing AI-powered war strategies and creating Indian-made AI chips and cybersecurity infrastructure. He pointed out the disruptive potential of quantum computing, citing Google’s quantum chip, Willow, which can perform calculations in minutes that would take the world’s most advanced supercomputers billions of years to complete. Singh encouraged the students to contribute to the rapid technological evolution in these fields, highlighting IIT Mandi’s role as a key player in the future of defence technologies.
The event also featured remarks by Lt. Gen. Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon (Retd.), Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Mandi, who reminded the students of the importance of duty, integrity, and honour, urging them to always uphold the nation’s pride. Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, also spoke on the institution’s growth, thanking the government and key stakeholders for their support. Behera highlighted IIT Mandi’s major research initiatives, including its work on quantum AI computers and its state-of-the-art semiconductor fabrication facilities, which aim to make Himachal Pradesh a leading hub for semiconductor research and production.
In addition to its research strides, IIT Mandi also unveiled its Guidance and Counselling Services (GCS), aimed at supporting the mental health and well-being of its students. The GCS offers individual counselling, group therapy, crisis intervention training, and a 24/7 online platform, among other services. The Centre for Continuing Education (CCE), established in 2022, also continues to make strides in addressing national skill development needs. The CCE has trained over 7,000 participants through more than 100 workshops and has facilitated educational visits for over 1,000 school students.
During the celebrations, IIT Mandi also recognized outstanding contributions with the Foundation Day Awards, which honoured students, faculty, alumni, and staff for their exceptional achievements in academics, research, sports, and professional excellence. Award categories included the Young Faculty Fellow Award, Young Achiever Award (Faculty/Alumni), Students Academic Excellence Award, and Students Tech Award.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Jairam Thakur, Former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh; Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak, Vice Chancellor of CSJM University Kanpur; Gokul Butail, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh; Dr. Amit Kumar Pandey, CTO of Rovial Space, France; and Puran Chand Thakur, MLA, Darang Assembly Constituency. Lt. Gen. Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon and Prof. Laxmidhar Behera also presided over the function.
The event showcased IIT Mandi’s relentless pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and skill development, reaffirming its position as a premier institution in the nation’s technology ecosystem.
