Mumbai: A one-day state-level workshop on drone technology and its applications was held on Saturday at the University of Mumbai (MU). The event was inaugurated by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ravindra Kulkarni, alongside Naval Bajaj (IPS), the Head of the State Anti-Terrorism Squad, among others.
During the event, Kulkarni encouraged MU’s Geography Department to collaborate with leading national institutions and private sector companies to introduce drone-based courses and research projects. He stressed the importance of cross-disciplinary cooperation to provide students with valuable internships and opportunities to expand their knowledge in this emerging field.
In his speech, chief guest Bajaj spoke about the pioneering use of drones during the Ganesh Chaturthi immersion processions in Mumbai, highlighting how drones provided crucial oversight. He also emphasised the role of drones in controlling accidents and crises, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bajaj elaborated on the potential of drones in combating terrorism, addressing climate change, and managing natural disasters, all while discussing the growing security challenges that need to be addressed as drone use expands.
Prof. Shirish Kedare, Director of IIT Mumbai, provided a comprehensive overview of the current state and future potential of drone technology.
Experts Dr. Hemant Pednekar, Dr. Kiran Naik, and Shruti Surendran shared their insights on drone applications, the future of the industry, employment prospects, and challenges within the drone sector. Their sessions aimed to guide attendees on navigating the complexities of the rapidly evolving field.
The workshop was organised in collaboration with the university’s Department of Geography, UAV Academy Pvt. Ltd., and the Bombay Geographical Association.
As part of the workshop, UAV Academy showcased six different types of UAVs and command-and-control systems. The exhibition’s highlight was a 20-foot-long UAV named Sampatti, which drew significant attention from attendees. A total of 190 students, including undergraduates, postgraduates, and researchers from affiliated colleges of MU participated in the workshop.
