India's Missile Programme For Peace: Avinash Chander, DRDO Chief

BHUBANESWAR: Claiming that India's missile programme purely aims at peace in the country, Defence Research Development and Organisation ( DRDO) Director General Avinash Chander said Bhubaneswar has been the Gateway for all the Missile Launch campaigns.

"I feel proud to say that Bhubaneswar has been the Gateway for all the Missile Launch campaigns for last many decades," Chander, who is also the scientific advisor to Defence Minister, said while addressing the third convocation of IIT-Bhubaneswar here.

Stating that many of the Launch Complex and other Range Stations are located in proximity to Bhubaneswar, Chander said they play a vital role in strengthening the National deterrence.

"Whatever Research and Development effort goes in any corner of India with respect to our Missiles, ultimately needs to reach Bhubaneswar and then taken to Chandipur or Dhamra for its final testing," he said adding this place has divine blessings. Chander said this while telling students that they should be proud of the place and their institute.

Referring to the deterrent aspects of missiles, Chander said, "Our missile programme is for peace in the country. And the message of peace went to the entire world from Odisha where Kalinga war was fought."

Indian Science and Technology is regarded as one of the most powerful instrument of growth and development, Chander said adding, "Today, India has become one of the strongest in the world in terms of scientific manpower in capability and maturity."