20/10/2026
Shastra Puja is an ancient Indian covenant: strength is sacred, and so is the restraint that governs it. Good intentions alone cannot preserve peace. A nation must possess both the character to exercise power wisely and the capability to defend what it holds dear.
A storm is gathering across the world. Established orders are being unsettled, dependencies weaponised, and assumptions about security and sovereignty tested. cannot afford to believe that prosperity alone guarantees protection. Our answer must be neither fear nor slogans, but competence, cohesion and the determination to build.
I have spent a lifetime around aircraft — flying them, engineering them, building enterprises around them, and trusting them with human lives. The cockpit taught me something that has never left me: courage without judgement is recklessness, and confidence without competence is dangerous.
The same is true of nations.
This year, HOVERIT’s Mk3 achieved its maiden flight with an indigenous Indian jet engine. From concept to first flight in less than a year. Alongside Mk1 and Mk2, it represents a growing family of Indian-engineered unmanned systems. But the aircraft is only the visible achievement. The greater victory is the competence being created behind it.
As gives way to , I think of the light we owe future generations. To our engineers, technicians and test crews; to our partners and the UP Defence Corridor; and to the men and women in uniform for whom these capabilities are being developed — this celebration belongs to you.
May strengthen our courage and conscience. May Diwali bring lasting light, prosperity and harmony to every home.
कर्म एव प्रमाणम्।
The proof is not the promise.
The proof is the flight.
जय हिन्द। 🇮🇳
