Kumaraguru Institutions established the Kumaraguru Centre for Industrial Research and Innovation (KCIRI) on July 27, 2017—two years after the passing of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam—to honor the memory of the legendary scientist and former President.

Formed on his Memorial Day as an enduring tribute to the nation builder, the institution celebrates his life and legacy by fostering research, industrial innovation, and youth empowerment. During the Annual Day of KCIRI, Ramarao Dr. Prahalada, Former DRDO Chief Controller and former Vice-Chancellor of Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) took part as the Chief Guest, and delivered the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Memorial Address.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Prahalada reflected on how Dr. Kalam’s administrative reforms and commitment to national capability continue to inspire India’s scientific and educational landscape.  Highlighting India’s evolution from a defence importer into a global technological powerhouse, Dr. Prahalada Ramarao called on the youth to drive the nation toward ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ through indigenous innovation and mission-first leadership.

The distinguished defence scientist and Padma Shri awardee shared key insights from his 27-year association with Dr. Kalam, emphasizing that his strategic vision remains the blueprint for modern self-reliance for the country.

Dr. Prahalada underscored how Dr. Kalam altered India’s strategic posture by spearheading indigenous missile programs including Agni, Prithvi, Akash, Nag, and Trishul at a time when the country relied on imports for basic military requirements.
Recalling a pivotal moment in defence collaboration, he detailed how Dr. Kalam foresaw the power of supersonic cruise technology in the 1990s and persuaded the government to co-fund the BrahMos joint venture with Russia. Today, with numerous nations eager to acquire the BrahMos missile system, it stands as proof of Dr. Kalam’s core conviction: “Make for India, and the world will follow.”

At the ceremony, KCIRI signed a MoU with the SAARC Group, an enterprise spanning precision defence manufacturing and AI-enabled software development. Building on an existing collaboration to develop military-standard protective cases for Indian Air Force equipment, the new agreement focuses on joint defence product development and secure software engineering.

A second MoU was exchanged with AvioMinds Global Private Limited to advance applied research in the aerospace sector, specifically targeting micro gas turbine and UAV propulsion technologies.