The prime minister’s initiative, ‘Make in India’ has been catching up in all quarters and the defence sector from Hyderabad, too, has been warming up to it. At the recently held 7th National Awards Petrochemicals and Downstream Plastics Processing Industry at New Delhi, a team from Hyderabad stood out for technology innovation.
G. Rajesh, Advanced Systems Laboratories, Mohit Mohan Patra, Brahmos Aerospace, P.S. Methia, Defence Research and Development Laboratory — all from Hyderabad, and Manoj Kumar Patra, Defense Laboratory Jodhpur, won the award in the ‘Academic and R&D Institution’ category of ‘innovation in polymeric products’ and were recognised by the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.
Rajesh, the leader of the team and a scientist working in this field for 13 years, says, “It feels great to be recognised. We were working for five years on rubber composites for microwave isolation in radio altimeter instruments.” Talking about why it took so long, he says, “While working on the rubber composite, we had to look into every detail minutely. The instruments which use these rubber composites are made to measure the height from the ground accurately. While doing so, nothing should come in between the signals. That’s where we took time.” According to him, the team’s work has enabled India to make the rubber composites within the country and not resort to importing it. “Before, they were imported from Europe. Not only has this innovation made it cheaper, but it has also fulfilled the PM’s dream,” he says.
While studying in IIT Kharagpur, Rajesh travelled a lot. “I love travelling. While in college, I was clear that whatever I do professionally, I will travel and explore different places often,” he says.
