The recent achievement of Sarvesh Sharma, a fifth-semester Computer Science student at Government Polytechnic College in Hamirpur, has garnered attention as he secures a grant of Rs 3.5 crore from the Ministry of Defence. This funding is aimed at the development of the Rudra Edge T-1 (Spectra) drone, which will serve the Indian Army for border surveillance purposes. The drone project is being realised under the Defence Innovation Organisation and the Innovations for Defence Excellence programmes.

Inspiration from a National Competition

Sarvesh’s opportunity emerged after he participated in the Open Cardboard Drone Competition, a national event organised by IIT Jodhpur in collaboration with the Konark Corps. Competing among approximately fifty teams from various educational institutions, Sarvesh’s team finished fourth and was awarded a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh. Conversations during the event about the Army’s challenges in border surveillance prompted him to conceive a more advanced drone design.

He subsequently crafted a prototype drone at a cost of roughly Rs 87,000, which led him to apply for funding through the Defence Innovation Organisation and iDEX. Following a thorough assessment, his proposal was approved, resulting in the substantial grant aimed at enhancing defence capabilities.

With this funding secured, Sarvesh is positioned to make significant contributions to the field of defence technology.

Collaboration with IIT Roorkee

The next steps for Sarvesh’s project will take him to IIT Roorkee, where an incubation centre has been established for his drone development project. He is expected to engage with researchers and utilise laboratory facilities at the institute in order to advance his work. The timeline for completing the Rudra Edge T-1 (Spectra) project is set at twenty months, as he and his team strive to meet the outlined objectives.

The design goals for this drone reportedly include capabilities such as evading enemy radar detection and resisting electronic jamming, both critical for effective border surveillance. However, the drone’s final specifications and operational capabilities will only be confirmed once the prototype has undergone extensive testing.

Through this collaboration, Sarvesh has the opportunity to further develop and refine his design, potentially benefiting the Indian Army with indigenous technology.

Background and Recognition

Sarvesh hails from Bahanvi village in Hamirpur district, where he attended a local government school before pursuing his studies at Government Polytechnic College. His father, Sanjeev Kumar, is a daily-wage labourer, and his mother is a homemaker, reflecting a humble background. Sarvesh’s efforts were officially recognised by Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta during a ceremony held on September 23.

During the recognition event, the Governor commended Sarvesh for his accomplishment and engaged in discussions regarding the drone’s conceptual features, the various challenges he faced, and his vision for advancing indigenous drone technology in India. This recognition not only highlights Sarvesh’s achievements but also sets a precedent for aspiring students in the field of engineering and technology.

As he embarks on this significant journey from a modest prototype created during his college years to a sophisticated government-backed defence project, Sarvesh’s work may promote further innovations in the defence sector.

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