The Annual Techno-Management Festival Wissenaire 2024 at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar has come to an end. The three-day extravaganza, inaugurated on 8th March 2024, witnessed a blend of innovation, intellect, and entertainment, bringing together students, professionals, and enthusiasts from across the nation. The theme of the year was ‘PACEM STRIFE: The Significance of Defense technology as a deterrent to Aggression and to promote National Security.’ 

Dr. Jagannath Nayak, the Director of the Centre for High Energy System and Sciences (CHESS), DRDO graced the inaugural ceremony and spoke on the theme elaborately. He presented on ‘Critical Defense Technologies and National Security: How is DRDO making Inroads into Disruptive Technologies for Armed Forces.’ In his presentation, he mentioned how the defense ecosystem has changed over the period of time, with the advent of various new technologies like cyber technology, artificial intelligence, etc. Highlighting the changing dimensions of warfare, he narrated how India has developed its indigenous weapons and equipment for defense and has become self-reliant in this sector. He also highlighted the synergetic partnership of DRDO with academia for research and with Industry for production for manufacturing high-end defense technology for the armed forces and paramilitary forces of the country. “So far, 15 DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence have been established. Discussions are also going on for partnership with IIT Bhubaneswar,” Dr. Nayak informed. 

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar highlighted the significance of the theme of the year. Discussing Maslow’s Hierarchy of Need Theory, he stressed on the importance of security. Pointing out the war situations in different parts of the world at present, he said that all nations seem to be insecure in some manner and not very clear on how to achieve peace. At the same time, our own experience is that India fell to invaders in spite of being economically and culturally well-off. Learning from this experience, we should evolve a responsible defense strategy to ensure national security. 

Prof. Rajesh Roshan Dash, Dean (Student Affairs) also spoke on the aptness of the theme of the year. Dr. Srinivas Bhaskar Karanki, President, Student Gymkhana described the background of Wissenaire. Dr. Sayan Dey, Chairperson, Wissenaire-2024 delivered the welcome address. Mr. Rushikesh Reddy, Chief Coordinator, Wissenaire-2024 proposed a vote of thanks.

Over the next two days, Tek Talks on different relevant topics were arranged. On 9th March, Mr. Tushar Chabbra, CEO and Co-Founder of Cron AI, presented on "Defence Innovation and AI-Powered Solutions" and Col Sanjeet Sirohi, Internal Security Expert and Analyst, discussed the "Importance of Defense Technology in Advancing National Harmony." On the last day, Mr. Senthil Kumar, Director, Systems Engineering AIx, Applied Materials India, Bangalore spoke on the theme.”

The fest featured cutting-edge exhibitions, workshops, robotics and drone competitions, providing a platform for tech enthusiasts to display their prowess and ingenuity. The fest also had a bike show which was a feast to the eyes. Popular singer Dhvani Bhanushali enthralled the audience with her scintillating performance.