In an effort to motivate the next generation of youth to serve the nation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) Induction Publicity & Exhibition Vehicle (IPEV) recently visited Kumaraguru Institutions.
The state-of-the-art mobile exhibition bus provided an experience to over 100 NCC cadets from various colleges in Coimbatore, giving them a firsthand glimpse into the life of an Indian Air Force officer.
The IPEV serves as an interactive outreach platform designed to bridge the gap between aspiring youth and the armed forces. Through interactive exhibits, career guidance sessions, and simulators, the vehicle educated students on the various entry pathways and career opportunities available in the IAF.
The highlight of the event was an inspiring address by the Chief Guest, Group Captain Somasundar, a veteran IAF helicopter pilot with 30 years of distinguished service.
He urged students to choose a career that provides true job satisfaction, noting that in his 30-year career, there was never a single day he did not want to go to work. “When you love what you do, you reclaim your 24 hours,” he said.
Drawing from a wealth of personal experiences, Group Captain Somasundar captivated the cadets with stories from his postings across the country and the globe. His diverse career spanned operations in the Siachen Glacier, the Srinagar valley, and a United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where his camp was stationed just three kilometres from an active volcano.
He proudly highlighted his role as a flight instructor, where he had the distinct honour of teaching flying to some of India’s very first female fighter pilots.
Addressing the engineering talent present at Kumaraguru Institutions, Somasundar emphasised a massive shift in modern warfare and defence strategy. “Tomorrow’s fighting is going to be driven purely by technology,” he stated.
He highlighted that the IAF is increasingly looking to recruit engineering graduates to operate highly advanced, state-of-the-art aircraft systems, meteorological technologies, and air traffic control networks.
He stressed that even graduates of the National Defence Academy (NDA) are now being trained as engineers to meet the evolving technological demands of the integrated armed forces.
Adding to the discourse on technology, Rear Admiral Mohandoss (Retd.), Veteran Indian Navy Officer and Director of Defence Projects at Kumaraguru Centre for Industrial Research and Innovation (KC.IRI), praised the IAF for their unique initiative to bring career awareness directly to students.
He noted that the perception and awareness of the armed forces have grown exponentially among the youth, leading to highly competitive recruitment.
To handle this, Rear Admiral Mohandoss explained that the Services Selection Board (SSB) has modernised its selection process.
“Today, the selection process is highly computerised. With the introduction of Artificial Intelligence-based psychological testing tools developed by DRDO, the system has successfully eliminated human error and bias,” he stated, assuring students of a highly transparent, merit-based selection process that rewards thorough preparation and confidence.
He further emphasised the rare opportunity the students had to interact with the visiting delegates.
Alongside Group Captain Somasundar, the students received direct guidance from Group Captain Binu Koshy, a veteran Air Traffic Controller and highly experienced SSB Interviewing Officer.
