Andhra University to have a Centre for Defence Studies soon

Visakhapatnam: Andhra University is all set to become the first university in the country to have a Centre for Defence Studies. The four-member expert team from the Indian Air Force who visited the varsity were impressed with the science and technology departments and the courses being offered by the varsity. A fund of Rs 70 crore is to be provided by the Ministry of Defence for the Centre for Defence Studies which will come up at the Andhra University College of Engineering (A). Air Marshal Sanjay Sharma and Vice-Air Marshal B.K Sood will lead the expert team.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Andhra University Vice-Chancellor, G. Nageswara Rao, said, “We explained to them about the certificate courses being provided by the varsity to Navy personnel. “They wanted the same courses for the Air Force staff too. Besides, this they also wanted three more certificate courses in Cyber Security, Corrosion and Industrial Safety.

“The team was optimistic and happy to see the facilities available in the varsity. They said they would give a report to the Chief of Air Staff regarding the visit. In the first phase, the centre will focus on eight fields. “I hope soon we will get a written confirmation within a couple of days,” said the Vice-Chancellor. The expert team visited the Meteorology, Computer Sciences, Electronics and Mechanics Departments and encouraged them to work together to develop indigenous equipment for defence.

The Air Chief Marshall was very keen to establish the centre and in his address to the nation on the Indian Air Force Day on October 8 he mentioned about the possible cooperation with the AU. The Centre for Defence Studies will be open to defence personnel first and will be extended to others based on the progress of the Centre. The varsity is also in talks with the Navy to start an indigenous development centre, where some components of missiles will be developed under the ‘Make in India’ programme.