Pune: Technology, innovation and public participation are essential to achieving the vision of a developed India, Union minister of state for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Chaudhary said on Saturday. He called upon the youth to acquire new technological skills, develop innovative solutions and actively contribute to the country’s development.He was speaking at the concluding ceremony of AWTIS 2026, a three-day national conference on technology and innovation organised by Aryans Group of Companies at Hotel Vivanta in Hinjawadi. He emphasised that effective water planning and modern technology are vital for water security.Chaudhary said initiatives such as Startup India, Stand-Up India and Make in India had encouraged domestic industries and local manufacturing. He said the effective use of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital technologies could accelerate India’s progress towards self-reliance.“Emerging technologies in space research, renewable energy and water management can give a new direction to the country’s development. Greater use of hydrogen energy is also necessary to reduce dependence on conventional fuels and promote environmentally sustainable growth,” he said.He added that conferences such as AWTIS provided a platform for young entrepreneurs and researchers to exchange ideas and translate innovative concepts into practical solutions.The event was attended by Aryans Group Chairman Mukund Jagtap, CEO Manohar Jagtap, Co-Executive Chairperson Smita Shitole-Jagtap, ISRO Scientist S Venkateshwara Sharma, Cybersecurity Expert Milind Patnaik, and Directors Ajay Jagtap and Sagar Kanade, among others.Sharma spoke about India’s space missions and the need for international cooperation to ensure the safe and sustainable use of outer space. He highlighted the risks posed by defunct satellites and discarded rocket components, which can threaten operational satellites and future space missions.He said appropriate measures, including de-orbiting defunct satellites or moving them to safer orbits, were necessary to address the growing problem of space debris. International space agencies, including NASA, ISRO, the European Space Agency and Japan’s space agency, are working towards solutions, he added.In his concluding remarks, Manohar Jagtap said the conference facilitated discussions on technology, research, innovation, defence technologies and cybersecurity, bringing together experts from different fields. “The next phase of the initiative is planned for November. It will focus on the hydrogen economy, space-launch vehicle engines and products based on advanced technologies. Through these initiatives, we aim to contribute to India’s industrial and economic development while supporting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India,” he said.Patnaik highlighted the growing threat of cybercrime and stressed the need to develop innovative technological solutions to strengthen cybersecurity. Aboli Supekar compered the programme, while Smita Shitole-Jagtap proposed the vote of thanks.WATER SECURITY THROUGH TECHNOLOGYChaudhary stressed the importance of efficient water planning and the use of modern technology to strengthen water security. With some parts of the country facing excessive rainfall and others experiencing drought, technologies such as AI and IoT can help improve water management and planning, he said. He added that efforts were underway under the Union Jal Shakti Ministry to address water-related challenges and that technology could help balance economic development with environmental protection.Chaudhary stressed the importance of efficient water planning and the use of modern technology to strengthen water security. With some parts of the country facing excessive rainfall and others experiencing drought, technologies such as AI and IoT can help improve water management and planning, he said. He added that efforts were underway under the Union Jal Shakti Ministry to address water-related challenges and that technology could help balance economic development with environmental protection.
