Vigyan Vaibhav 2025: Students enjoy science and defence expo in Hyderabad

Visiting students and teachers were greeted by real missiles, towering artillery guns, majestic tanks, and radars

Hyderabad: An exciting and rare opportunity unfolded for scores of school and engineering students as they were introduced to India’s modern military technology at the ‘Vigyan Vaibhav,’ a science and defence expo, organised by the DRDO at Gachibowli stadium here on Friday.

Visiting students and teachers were greeted by real missiles, towering artillery guns, majestic tanks, and radars. It was a sight most of them had only seen in movies, but the exhibition gave an opportunity to walk around and have a closer look.

Some of the machines on display were recently tested hypersonic missile, Pralay missile, Pinaka missile system, short-range ballistic missile system, Agni 5 missile, India’s main battle tank, Arjun, advanced towed artillery gun system, 155 mm guns, and Rudram, anti-radiation missile.

Students had their phones out, taking photos of the missiles, guns, tanks and ammunition, while school teachers snapped their students in front of the machines and missiles.

“I can’t believe that I am actually seeing missiles. Contrary to my impression of models, these missiles turned out real ones used in a war,” said Sandeep, a Class X student of Brilliant Adonai High School.

Hundreds of engineering students, particularly from the electronics and communications branch, got exposure to the missiles, including hypersonic, short-range ballistic missile, quick reaction surface to air missile and radars. Scientists gave a peek into the life in the defence sector besides explaining the opportunities awaiting them.

“Here I learnt a lot of avionics, radars and missiles. It’s really nice to get first hand information from the horse’s mouth,” said Phanindra, an engineering student of Institute of Aeronautical Engineering.

The DRDO, Aeronautical Society of India and Kalam Institute of Youth Excellence jointly organised the event, which had 200 stalls including the BDL, BHEL, Indian Navy and MIDHANI.