Major Rajprasad R.S., Army innovator
Major Rajprasad R.S., a decorated officer from the Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers, sparked one of the most thought-provoking discussions on the role of education in nation-building at the conclave. “The Indian Army isn’t just about combat. We are techno-warriors,” he said, setting the tone for a conversation that linked national security, education and innovation. With an MTech degree and 12 in-house innovations to his name, four of which are already operational, Major Rajprasad designs systems that save lives on the battlefield.
Among his most notable contributions are an AI-powered unmanned mine detection system and a wireless detonation device with a range of 2.5km, both developed and patented by the Army. These are not theoretical ideas but operational tools that have protected soldiers during missions. “Unmanned autonomous systems are crucial during operations where the risk of casualties is high,” he explained, reminding the audience that every technological breakthrough in defence often represents a life saved. “We must stop being mere integrators. We need to build from scratch, starting from the chip,” he urged, calling on civil society, academic institutions and young engineers to join the effort.
Major Rajprasad was instrumental in setting up the Sarvatra Centre of Research and Innovation at the College of Military Engineering, Pune, as well as the first Army Cell at IIT Delhi under the Army Design Bureau. Under his leadership, the IIT Delhi Cell achieved the highest number of defence-related R&D projects in the country. The model has since been adopted by several other institutions. In a sign of its growing influence, the Army is planning a major Army-academia seminar.
Major Rajprasad offered a bold yet practical suggestion: engineering students should be required to intern in defence PSUs, much like medical students in hospitals. “Let them witness the real-world application of their learning and contribute to nation-building,” he said. He also called for an education policy that rewards innovation. “Exams are important, but we need project-based assessments and platforms to recognise domain-specific excellence,” he said. “Whatever path you choose, be the best in your domain. Don’t go with the flow. Be the expert, be the changemaker.”