NEW DELHI. Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, inaugurated the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Knowledge Center at The Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI) in New Delhi on March 18, 2026. The ceremony was held in the presence of Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog, and Dr. R.K. Tyagi, former President of AeSI and former CMD of HAL and Pawan Hans. The event celebrated the legacy of Dr. Kalam, a former President of both India and the AeSI. Since its founding in 1948, the society has grown into a premier professional body with over 16,000 members and 71 corporate partners, playing a vital role in advancing India’s science, engineering, and aerospace sectors.
During his inaugural address, the Union Minister highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s aviation infrastructure and shared updates on new safety measures and drone manufacturing initiatives. He placed specific emphasis on two strategic goals: the domestic development of a Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) and the integration of civil and military efforts for emerging aviation technologies. Dr. V.K. Saraswat also reflected on the visionary leadership of Dr. Kalam, noting that the center will serve as a hub for innovation and excellence for the next generation of aerospace professionals.
