-->
Home  /   News & Events
 

The Department of Defence and Strategic Studies at Don Bosco College (Co-Ed), Yelagiri Hills, organized a dynamic and knowledge-driven seminar titled NAVGUARD 2025 on 18th June 2025, marking the commencement of the academic year's activities. The seminar was centered around the theme, "Induction of India’s Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC): Indian Navy’s New Warrior", which is aligned with India’s current defense transformation goals and maritime security initiatives.

In light of the Indian Navy’s recent push towards indigenization and modernization of its fleet, the induction of ASW-SWC represents a significant leap in safeguarding India's littoral zones from underwater threats. The NAVGUARD 2025 event aimed to foster a deeper understanding among students regarding the strategic importance of coastal defense and submarine countermeasures. The seminar created a platform for students to engage with current defense developments through academic presentations, expert insights, and interactive discussions.

The program witnessed participation from undergraduate students, NCC cadets, and faculty members. It featured student-led PowerPoint presentations on the origin, evolution, and technical design of the ASW-SWC, as well as a special address by Commander Lingesh Munirathinam, an expert in naval warfare and maritime operations. His experience and knowledge added great depth and credibility to the seminar, enhancing its academic value.

Through a blend of theoretical exploration and practical relevance, NAVGUARD 2025 offered students a rare opportunity to explore India’s maritime defense apparatus and engage with the broader theme of national security and self-reliance in defense production.

 

Objectives of the Event:

​The NAVGUARD 2025 seminar was structured with the following key objectives in mind:

  • Introduce participants to the ASW-SWC, its strategic role, operational capabilities, and importance in underwater warfare.

  • Create consciousness about the Indian Navy’s role in protecting India's Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and coastal waters from submarine threats.

  • Encourage students of Defence and Strategic Studies to critically engage with real-world defense issues and understand India's maritime strategy.

  • Provide a platform for students to research and present on contemporary defense technologies and practices, thereby developing their public speaking, analytical, and teamwork skills.

  • Motivate students to explore professional roles in the Indian Armed Forces, particularly in the Navy and strategic defense policy sectors.

  • Promote understanding of India’s push for self-reliance under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative in the context of naval engineering and shipbuilding.

 

Outcome of the Event:

The NAVGUARD 2025 seminar proved to be an academically enriching and strategically insightful event that yielded several significant outcomes for both students and faculty members of the Department of Defence and Strategic Studies. It not only achieved its intended objectives but also delivered lasting educational value. The following are the key outcomes of the event:

  • Students gained in-depth understanding of India’s naval modernization programs, particularly the induction and role of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC).

  • The technical and operational aspects of ASW-SWC, such as sonar systems, stealth features, and shallow water capabilities, were clearly understood and appreciated.

  • The event encouraged active student participation through presentations, question-and-answer sessions, and debates.

  • Students exhibited strong research skills by delivering high-quality, fact-based presentations on complex defense topics.

  • Commander Lingesh Munirathinam’s expert address gave students a rare opportunity to hear first-hand accounts of naval operations, strategic decision-making, and maritime challenges.

  • The talk bridged the gap between textbook learning and actual field experience, making the event both practical and inspiring.

  • Students developed and demonstrated confidence in public speaking, teamwork, and leadership through organizing and presenting during the event.

  • The event also fostered peer learning and mutual academic support among students.

  • NAVGUARD 2025 stimulated interest among students to explore careers in the Indian Navy, defence research, strategic policymaking, and national security.

  • The seminar reinforced the importance of informed citizenship and the role of educated youth in shaping India’s defense narrative.

  • By showcasing India’s self-reliant defense initiatives and technological advancements, the seminar instilled a deep sense of pride in the nation’s armed forces and indigenous capabilities.