The College of Military Engineering (CME), Pune, hosted a landmark convocation and scroll presentation ceremony on June 5, 2025, celebrating the graduation of officers from the MTech-12 and Technical Entry Scheme (TES-43) batches. The event reflected Indiaโs expanding focus on technological self-reliance and modernization within the armed forces.
The ceremony began with an address by Lt Gen AK Ramesh, Commandant of CME, followed by a valedictory speech from Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Prof. Pandit emphasized the significance of producing technically proficient, ethical, and forward-thinking military engineers in a time of evolving security challenges.
She called upon the graduating officers to actively engage with transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and 3D printing, stressing their responsible use and the need for sustainable defense solutions. Her remarks come amid Indiaโs increasing efforts to modernize its military infrastructure and reduce reliance on foreign technology, in line with the governmentโs Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
The event also aligned with the Indian Armyโs designation of 2024 as the โYear of Technology Absorption,โ a campaign aimed at integrating frontier technologies across military domains. Prof. Pandit referenced Operation SindoorโIndiaโs recent cross-border strike in response to terrorismโas a reminder of the evolving nature of warfare, which now includes cyber, climate, and information domains in addition to traditional combat.
A 2023 RAND Corporation study was cited, showing that militaries leveraging next-generation technologies gain a 20% operational efficiency edge. Similarly, a 2024 RUSI report reinforced the need for armed forces to prepare for climate-related security risks and environmental disruptions through enhanced engineering capabilities.
With senior military leaders, academic dignitaries, and proud families in attendance, the ceremony marked a crucial step in shaping Indiaโs next generation of defense engineersโprofessionals equipped to combine innovation, resilience, and national service in a rapidly changing world.
