The Russian Centre for Science and Culture, along with the Indo-Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industries, commemorated Gandhi Jayanthi by releasing a book by renowned defence technologist A. Sivathanu Pillai, BrahMos in Vetri Manthiram, on Tuesday.

A discussion on Indo-Russian humanitarian relations was held on the occasion.

Contribution lauded

Minister for Information and Publicity Kadambur Raju, who presided over the event, lauded the contribution of Mr. Pillai in creating the supersonic cruise missile, BrahMos, and promised to take his book to schools across the State so that students could get a glimpse of missile technology.

“The friendship between India and Russia has always been strong and will continue to remain so,” he added. N. Ram, Chairman, THG Publishing Private Limited, said, “Despite Western attempts to cause prejudice against Russia, the people of India have not been misled, especially in Tamil Nadu. I don’t see their propaganda have any serious influence. India remains immune.” Commending Mr. Pillai, he said, “Nobody, including the USA, has been able to reproduce anything like BrahMos. It is not meant to be used against anyone but to defend India’s national security.

“The people of Tamil Nadu represented by our Minister here are grateful to Russia for remaining steadfast strategic partners and co-operators.” Thanking the gathering for honouring his work and his book, Mr. Pillai recalled the days when he would study Tomahawk and other missiles to create something better in India. “It was Dr. Abdul Kalam’s dream to put our country on the top in technological advancements. “With the help of Russia and our leaders we were able to reach there by creating BrahMos,” he said.

“And like Mr. Ram said, weapons are not meant to fight but to protect. People will respect us only if we are able to defend ourselves,” he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Chennai / by Staff Reporter / Chennai – October 03rd, 2018