Lt. Gen. Karanbir Singh Brar Inspires Students at Kumaraguru Institutions on National Security and Technological Advancements

Senthilkumar Rajappan is the Founder Blogger of YourCoimbatore.com, He is…
Kumaraguru Institutions had the honor of hosting Lieutenant General Karanbir Singh Brar, General Officer Commanding of the Dakshin Bharat Area, on Wednesday 29 January 2025 for an exclusive session on National Security Requires Whole of Nation Approach & Impact of Technology on Security and technological advancements in defense.
Addressing students at the Sarabhai Kalam Theater, Lt. Gen. Brar shared his extensive experience spanning nearly four decades, highlighting the evolving landscape of warfare and the critical role of innovation in strengthening India’s defense capabilities.
With a distinguished career that has taken him across some of India’s most challenging terrains—from the snow-covered valleys of Jammu & Kashmir to the remote frontiers of the North-East—Lt. Gen. Brar emphasized the importance of collaboration between the armed forces, academia, and technology sectors in ensuring national security. His visit served as an inspiration for aspiring young minds, reinforcing the need for a whole-of-nation approach in safeguarding the country’s future.
Welcome address by Rear Admiral V Mohandoss, Director, Defence Projects, Kumaraguru Centre for Industrial Research and Innovation:
In his address, Rear Admiral Mohandoss highlighted KCT’s legacy as a premier institution founded in 1984 by Padma Bhushan Dr. N. Mahalingam. He underscored the institution’s contributions to defence research through collaborations with DRDO, the Indian Armed Forces, and various industries, with over 12 ongoing projects in advanced defence technologies.
He praised General Brar’s distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, including his leadership in capability building, humanitarian missions, and defence technology innovations.
Speech of Shri Shankar Vanavarayar, President of Kumaraguru Institutions:
Addressing students, faculty, and dignitaries, Shri Shankar emphasized the significance of the occasion, calling it a day of inspiration and motivation for the young minds of the institution.
Reflecting on Lt. Gen. Brar’s illustrious career and visionary leadership, Shri Shankar highlighted his multifaceted role as not just a decorated soldier but also a strategist and innovator driving advancements in defence technology. He underscored India’s evolving global position and encouraged students to recognize the transformative role of technology and innovation within the armed forces.
He expressed pride in Kumaraguru Institutions’ contributions to defence research and their strong association with the armed forces through initiatives like NCC, outreach programs, and collaborative projects. Shri Shankar concluded by celebrating Lt. Gen. Brar’s recent honor of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and expressed gratitude for his presence, calling the event a milestone for the institution and its students.
Chief Guest Address by Lieutenant General K S Brar on “National Security Requires a Whole of Nation Approach & Impact of Technology on Security”
The session was attended by students, faculty members, and professors, and took place in an auditorium adorned with portraits of visionaries like Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
The General began his address by, emphasizing that national security is not limited to those in uniform but is a collective responsibility. “What these visionaries did decades ago for India in terms of missile defence and space technology has given the nation unparalleled security and opportunities. Today, India is planning moon missions and achieving technological milestones,” he remarked.
He stressed the pivotal role of the youth in shaping the nation’s future, stating, “India’s greatest asset is its young population, a resource that other nations, like China and Japan, lack due to aging demographics. Countries are not made great by their size or resources but by their people. The youth must rise, believe in themselves, and contribute to the nation’s growth.”
Key Messages for Students:
The General shared life lessons drawn from his own experiences in the armed forces. He urged students to focus on qualities like integrity, discipline, resilience, and dedication to achieve success. “It’s not just intelligence but values and perseverance that take you forward. Failure is a part of life, but resilience defines your journey,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of time and knowledge, describing them as the greatest wealth. “The richest person is the one who has time and the knowledge to use it wisely,” he added, urging students to value the vast opportunities they have ahead of them.
The Evolving Nature of Warfare and Technology’s Role:
Shifting the focus to the topic of national security, General Brar explained how warfare has evolved over centuries. From close-contact battles to long-range combat using rifles, artillery, and tanks, the nature of conflict has been transformed by technology. He noted the emergence of new domains like cybersecurity, space, and cognitive warfare.
Explaining cognitive warfare, he said, “Modern conflicts aren’t just fought on battlefields but also in minds. Mobile phones and other digital tools can be used to influence and manipulate entire populations. This requires vigilance and contributions from everyone – researchers, academia, and the youth.”
General Brar also highlighted the vulnerabilities associated with importing technology, such as drones and software, emphasizing the need for self-reliance through indigenous development. He lauded initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat as essential steps toward safeguarding critical technologies and ensuring national security.
Collaboration Between Academia, Industry, and Defence:
Acknowledging the potential of academia and start-ups in driving innovation, General Brar shared his efforts to connect academic institutions with defence establishments. He called on students to contribute not only to defence but also to initiatives that uplift society. “Every positive action you take, whether it’s creating employment, improving lives, or following traffic rules, strengthens the nation. This is the essence of a ‘whole of nation’ approach.
Highlighting the government’s focus on boosting the defence sector, General Brar cited impressive growth in defence exports, which increased from ₹1,000 crore in 2015-16 to approximately ₹16,000 crore in 2023-24. With a goal to achieve ₹50,000 crore in exports and triple domestic production to ₹3,00,000 crore by 2029, the defence sector presents enormous opportunities.
The General stressed the importance of integrating commercial technologies into defence. He drew parallels with everyday applications like ride-hailing apps which are online platforms that connect passengers with drivers to provide transportation services. He shared how a similar concept was adapted in Ukraine to coordinate artillery strikes. Such examples, he noted, highlight how innovations in civilian technology can revolutionize military operations.
He underscored the growing significance of geointelligence (GeoINT), where satellite imagery, drones, and other data sources are fused and analyzed using artificial intelligence. This integration enables faster and more accurate decision-making in modern warfare. He encouraged students and researchers to explore such fields, noting that technology development is critical for defence, whether in logistics or combat systems.
Lieutenant General Brar also highlighted the critical role of the user in defence innovation. He explained that the responsibility to guide agencies like DRDO lies with the end-users, who must articulate their requirements clearly. Without proper guidance, even advanced organizations may struggle to deliver effective solutions.
Reflecting on his experience, General Brar spoke about his involvement in shaping the specifications for a light tank project, ensuring it met operational needs. He credited his understanding of on-ground requirements for influencing key decisions.
The General inspired the audience to contribute to the nation’s defence sector, emphasizing that technology and innovation will come from institutions like Kumaraguru College of Technology. He noted that while soldiers exhibit unmatched bravery, their effectiveness relies on cutting-edge tools and technologies developed by bright minds in academia and industry.
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Senthilkumar Rajappan is the Founder Blogger of YourCoimbatore.com, He is a digital marketing strategist , a start up mentor and loves speaking on entrepreneurship. Loves blogging on auto, tech and books. Also has a personal website www.rsenthilkumar.com