‘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.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Jaipur-based South Western Command establishes think tank Gyan Shakti
Purpose of Gyan Shakti	To provide a platform for collaboration between the armed forces, industry, state government, and academia on defence and security.
Rajasthan’s Vision	The Chief Minister aims to make Rajasthan a $350 billion economy by 2029, with defence manufacturing playing a key role.
Strategic Importance of Rajasthan	Largest land border with western adversaries, favorable logistics, skilled manpower, and real estate for defence manufacturing.
Veterans’ Involvement	67 veterans have already registered for the think tank to contribute their experience to national security and defence manufacturing.
Think Tank Objective	Create a combined pool of knowledge from veterans, industry, and government to advise on the future of defence manufacturing
Seminar Details	Inaugural seminar on ‘Atmanirbharta in Defence Manufacturing: Opportunities in Rajasthan’, organized in collaboration with FICCI
Key Defence Technologies Displayed	Thermal weapon sights, exoskeleton, 3D camouflage solutions, BMP vehicles, tanks, air defence systems, infrared beacons, and sound guns