With an aim of encouraging innovation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday presented Certificates of Excellence to eight young Army officers for doing innovative work in the areas like reconnaissance and better facilities for soldiers in combat conditions.

The certificates were presented to these innovators during the "At-Home function" organised by Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag at his residence on the occasion of Army Day. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was also present. The innovators explained their work to the Prime Minister through working models and exhibits.

This is the first time that such efforts on the part of Army officers have been recognised at this highest level. While presenting the DRDO awards in August 2014, Modi had called for involving youth in defence research related activities in a big way, to ensure that India remained abreast of global technological advancements in the field. The Prime Minister had also encouraged DRDO to connect with the ultimate end-user of its products – the soldier. He had said the soldier can suggest many practical innovations in defence technology.

Modi has observed that occasions like the Annual Day of the three Services (Air Force Day, Army Day and Navy Day) should be occasions not merely to celebrate the service of our Armed Forces in the defence and security of our nation, but also to organise events to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Armed Forces. Such events could include recognition of members of the Services who have made innovative contributions in areas like defence management, estate management, environment, finance and expenditure, design of defence equipment, papers on defence strategies etc, he has said.