Unsung heroes: Aero India Seminar team takes challenges with a smile

The 10th Aero India 2015 International Seminar (Aerospace: Vision 2050) will conclude in Bengaluru today paving way for the air show and exhibition activities to go live at Air Force Station Yelahanka.

The seminar is conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), who hands over the responsibility to a one of its labs in city, by making them the nodal agency.

This year, it was the turn of the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), currently engrossed in the Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) system mission for the Indian Air Force.

Teams for DRDO labs

CABS formed a team consisting of scientists and support staff from DRDO labs such as CEMILAC, GTRE and ADE.
Amidst the confusion owing to the sudden removal of the DRDO chief barely a month before Aero India, the organisers of this year's seminar had a daunting task in keeping the image of the international event intact.

For the captain of CABS Dr S Christopher, a Distinguished Scientist spearheading the AEW&C mission, the last one month has been more challenging. "I think integration of mission systems for AEW&C is much easier than organising a seminar," Dr Christopher said in a lighter vein while introducing his team members to OneIndia.

Record participation

"This year we had seen record number of participation. The presentation papers ranged from every possible subject under the sun, linked to aerospace and defence. It was interesting to see how most speakers tried their best to fly closer to the Make in India concept," Dr Christopher said.

"Many youngsters presented papers this time, which was very heart-warming. To me, the take away from this year's seminar is the ideas that came from young Indian minds," Dr Christopher added.

Precision and passion matters

Echoing his views was Suma Varughuse, a Scientist G, and Chairperson, Technical Committee.

"The challenges were huge this time as we had to shift the venue of the seminar after the second day owing to purely unavoidable reasons. The entire core team had only around 25 members. There were days we could barely catch up with sleep," Suma, a key member of the AEW&C programme, said.

"If a responsibility is given one needs to execute it with precision and passion. Be it cleaning a toilet or upgrading a technology. Your goal should always be in your sight of action," adds Suma, who was seen running around the venue all the time, smiling.

Make in India mantra all over

Dr Reena Sharma, Scientist F, CABS and the Co-Chairperson of the Technical Committee said that the seminar branded India as a hub for aerospace and defence activities.

"The energy levels of all speakers were high and it was good to see the hope they have in this country," Dr Reen said.
R Chandrashekaran, Scientist F, ADE and Chairman, Web Committee, said that the content of every presentation was priceless. "The Make in India mantra has really created a vibrant thought process in the minds of people," he said.

As this Correspondent was about to wind up the interview, Dr Christopher gets a call on his mobile. He moves to the side to attend the call and returns with a smile.

"The AEW&C system is flying at the air show. My team at AFS Yelahanka had wanted some clarifications. Over to Yelahanka now," he concludes.

Yes, let the Sky Party begin!

Photos: A Veeramani

(The writer is a seasoned aerospace and defence journalist in India. He is the Consultant Editor (Defence) with OneIndia. He tweets @writetake.)