An “Aerospace Industry-Academia Conclave” was organised at HAL under thechairmanship of Prof S. G. Dhande, former Director, IIT Kanpur on February 17, 2014 in presence of senior executives of HAL and other distinguished academicians. HAL aims to pursue its leading role in the Indian aerospace industry through this conclave and create an ecosystem for enhancing the capabilities of this sector.

Considering the long term needs of the aeronautical sector growth, expert group on restructuring of HAL, headed by Shri B. K. Chaturvedi, former Cabinet Secretary and Member, Planning Commission, recommended the establishment of an Aerospace University or collaboration with some universities for expansion of aviation sector capabilities.

While delivering the key-note address, Prof. Dhande said, “manpower challenge is a phenomena faced by the entire aerospace industry because of globalisation. He called for establishing synergy between the Indian academia and aerospace industries in general and HAL in particular”, he added.

“Human talent is recognised and considered as the differentiating asset by every nation”, said Shri Ajay Shankar, Independent Director, HAL while setting the tone for the discussions.

The conclave deliberated on models for HAL`s active collaboration with institutions for research and on programs for industry-focussed post-graduate and doctoral degrees in aerospace technologies. It also considered the feasibility of establishing an exclusive Aerospace University.

The discussions included interesting issues such as domain specific curriculum review, diversified and in-depth aeronautical courses to meet the industry requirements of manpower and greater interaction of industry think-tanks with academia.

In his message, Dr. R.K. Tyagi, Chairman HAL said “Let us give our best for the future through a fertile landscape of aerospace technologies and knowledge which will make India more self-reliant, competitive and develop leaders for giving shape to our national aerospace strategies”, while urging the Conclave to think as one community to address the need for developing leaders in aerospace sector.

The other dignitaries who shared their thoughts in the conclave included Shri Surendra Kumar, Independent Director (HAL), Dr. Prahlada, Vice Chancellor, DIAT, Pune, Dr. N.K. Naik, Professor, IIT Mumbai, Prof. I.K. Bhat, Director, MNIT, Jaipur, Prof. Rameshwar Rao, Vice Chancellor, JNTU, Hyderabad, Dr. H Maheshappa, Vice Chancellor, VTU, Belgaum, Dr. Shyam Chetty, Director, NAL, Shri A.K. Saxena, former MD(BC)-HAL, Shri Yogesh Kumar, former Director (LCA)-HAL, Prof. G Raghuram, Professor, Public Systems Group, IIM Ahmedabad, Prof. P.K Ghosh, Dean, Fin. & Plg., IIT Roorkee, Prof. Sanjay Mittal, Head Aerospace Engg. Dept, IIT Kanpur and Prof. B.N. Singh, Head Aerospace Engg. Dept. IIT Kharagpur. Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, IIT Madras, Dr. Appu Kuttan K.K., Director MANIT, Bhopal and Dr. Nilay Khare, Associate Prof. & Head Comp Sc. & Engg, MANIT, Bhopal joined through video conferencing.

In the recent past, HAL has signed MoUs with IIT Kanpur, IIT Roorkee and Defence Public Sector Chair at NLSIU, Bangalore for setting-up a faculty chair.