‘Gyan Shakti’: South Western Command’s New Think Tank in Jaipur

In a move to strengthen Rajasthan’s defence industrial base, the Army’s Jaipur-based South Western Command has established a think tank named Gyan Shakti. The initiative aims to provide a platform for discussions and collaboration between the armed forces, industry, state government, and academia on matters related to defence and security at both regional and national levels.

Vision of Rajasthan

• The Chief Minister of Rajasthan aims to turn the state into a $350 billion economy by 2029, with defence manufacturing playing a key role.

Objective 

• Gyan Shakti will leverage the experience and knowledge of veterans to contribute to India’s defence transformation and nation-building efforts, particularly in Rajasthan’s growth.

Key Features of the Gyan Shakti Think Tank

Involvement of Veterans

• The think tank will tap into the wisdom of veterans on defence and national security, offering valuable insights into self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
• 67 veterans have already registered to join the initiative.

Collaboration for Knowledge

• The think tank seeks to bring together industry, government, and subject matter experts to create a combined pool of talent, which will advise on future directions for the defence sector.

Seminar on Atmanirbharta in Defence Manufacturing

Date and Objective

• The inaugural seminar on ‘Atmanirbharta in Defence Manufacturing: Opportunities in Rajasthan’ aimed to highlight the potential for developing a robust defence manufacturing ecosystem in the state.

Participants

• Over 29 industries, including MSMEs, participated, with 23 stalls showcasing various defence systems.
• The event was organized in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Technology and Systems Displayed at the Seminar

Defence Equipment Displayed

Several cutting-edge technologies and systems were showcased at the seminar,

• Thermal weapon sights for small arms.
• Exoskeleton technology.
• 3D camouflage solutions for soldiers.
• BMP armoured vehicles, tanks, and air defence platforms.
• In-ear noise reduction headsets for radios.
• Infrared beacons and patches.
• Long-range sound guns.

Rajasthan’s Defence Ecosystem Potential

• Key Assets for Defence Manufacturing
• Well-developed logistics infrastructure and connectivity close to the border.
• Availability of skilled manpower and adequate real estate for setting up industries.
• Faster delivery of war-waging material and force sustenance due to the state’s proximity to conflict zones.