Moodabidri: The first DGCA-approved drone training centre in Dakshina Kannada district, established by Aerodynamics at Alvas College, was inaugurated on Tuesday on the college campus.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Coast Guard, Karnataka, and District Commander P. K. Mishra said that the importance of drone technology is increasing day by day as it is being widely used in both defense and civilian sectors. Due to their low cost, precision, and versatility across various fields, drones are emerging as a revolutionary technology, he noted. Referring to global developments, he added that drones are significantly transforming modern warfare strategies, citing conflicts involving countries like the United States, Israel, and Iran.
He further stated that drone technology enables even smaller nations to effectively compete with technologically advanced countries. Nations are increasingly focusing on developing cost-effective unmanned drones instead of relying solely on expensive traditional military equipment. He urged students to adopt such emerging technologies. He also cited an example of a drone developed by two Indian engineering students that has helped around 50,000 farmers identify crop issues and reduce costs. He mentioned that ISRO has taken note of a low-cost rocket project developed by students.
Alvas Education Foundation Managing Trustee Vivek Alva said that mastering drone technology is the need of the hour. He encouraged students to prepare for the future and make meaningful use of available resources. He added that drone technology is changing the very nature of modern warfare, even questioning the necessity of conventional armed forces.
Presiding over the program, President of Alva’s Education Foundation, Dr. M. Mohan Alva, said that the establishment of this centre will enrich the academic environment of Alva’s College and help position Dakshina Kannada as a key hub for DGCA-approved drone training. He highlighted that drone technology is bringing significant changes in agriculture, defense, and environmental conservation. Drones are aiding in crop monitoring, precision spraying, irrigation inspection, and crop health analysis. In environmental protection, they are useful for wildlife monitoring and preventing illegal activities. He urged students to adopt such technologies and develop socially beneficial innovations.
Founder and Managing Director of Aerodynamics, Deviprasad Shetty, in his introductory remarks, said that the centre will provide quality practical training in drone technology. The main objective is to make students job-ready by offering comprehensive training in drone operations, maintenance, safety regulations, and technical aspects.
Advocate Jagadish K. Shenava was present. The program was compered by Dr. Pranamya Bhat, with welcome by Group Captain Sudheer Amin and a vote of thanks by Anusha Shetty.