“Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat – From Missile Man to NITI Aayog’s Strategic Thinker”
Early Life and Education
Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, born on 4th May 1949 in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, is a distinguished scientist and policymaker. He pursued his B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from BHU (Banaras Hindu University) and later earned his M.E. and Ph.D. in Combustion Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore.
A Stellar Career in DRDO
Dr. Saraswat joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1972 and quickly rose through the ranks due to his expertise in missile propulsion and aerospace technology.
- Key Contributions:
- Played a pivotal role in India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP) under Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
- Architect of India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Program, making India one of the few nations with such advanced capabilities.
- Developed critical propulsion systems for Agni, Prithvi, and BrahMos missiles.
- Served as Director of the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.
In 2009, he was appointed as the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister and later became the Director General of DRDO (2009-2013).
Leadership at NITI Aayog
After retiring from DRDO, Dr. Saraswat continued to influence national policy. In 2015, he was appointed as a Member of NITI Aayog, where he spearheaded initiatives in:
- Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) – Promoting indigenous defense and technology manufacturing.
- Energy Security & Sustainability – Advocating for clean energy and nuclear technology.
- Innovation & Startups – Encouraging R&D in defense and aerospace sectors.
Awards and Recognitions
- Padma Bhushan (2013) – India’s third-highest civilian award.
- DRDO Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions to missile technology.
- Fellow of prestigious institutions like Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) and Aeronautical Society of India.
Legacy and Future Vision
Dr. Saraswat remains a driving force in India’s scientific and strategic policymaking. His vision for technological self-reliance and defense innovation continues to shape India’s growth trajectory.