The Drone Revolution: An Exclusive Interview with Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya

Written By Charan Singh

In the quaint town of Burla, where dreams were woven into the fabric of the starlit night, an extraordinary tale of ambition and innovation unfurled. At the heart of this story stood a young visionary, Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, whose dreams reached far beyond the horizon. His journey, etched with determination and marked by a thirst for knowledge, epitomized the spirit of entrepreneurship that illuminates even the darkest corners of uncertainty.

Sanghapriya’s odyssey began with a dream that echoed the anthem of patriotism. He aspired to serve his nation, a noble calling that led him to the hallowed corridors of the National Defence Academy (NDA). Destiny, however, had a different script in store. Redirected to VSSUT, Burla, Bodhi’s passion for innovation found fertile ground. His childhood fascination with science projects blossomed into an unwavering commitment to explore uncharted territories.

 

In the crucible of academia, Bodhi’s intellect soared. Engulfed in the realms of robotics, automobiles, and coding, he realized that theoretical knowledge found its true purpose when applied practically. This realization sparked a revolution within him. Guided by the desire to make a meaningful impact, he, along with his seniors , Juniors and peers, embarked on a quest for practical innovation.

 

Their journey took a momentous turn when they set their sights on the cosmos, inspired by ISRO’s awe-inspiring feat of launching 104 satellites in a single rocket. What followed was a fervent pledge – a pact among 40 individuals, a blend of seniors, peers, and juniors, to explore the boundless expanse of space through satellites. Yet, challenges loomed like colossal mountains in their path. Funding, a formidable hurdle, stood tall, threatening to shroud their dreams in darkness.

 

Undeterred, Bodhi and his comrades chose an unconventional path. Dismissing the mystique of rocket science as mere hype, they decided to venture into the uncharted realm of building their own rocket. Armed with determination and resilience, they delved into the depths of international journals, learning from the wisdom of space scientists who had preceded them. Months of relentless experiments and failures followed, a testament to their tenacity. Finally, their dreams took flight as their homemade rocket soared 16,000 feet above the ground, etching its name into the prestigious LIMCA Book of Records.

The resonance of their achievement reached the ears of the Chief Minister, whose recognition added a glimmer of legitimacy to their audacious dreams. News of their triumph traveled further, catching the attention of none other than the Prime Minister and the esteemed scientists at ISRO. Their meticulous approach, delving into the works of 200 space scientists, left the ISRO team astounded. This revelation led to a profound moment – the birth of the first space innovation center at VSSUT, a testament to the power of audacity and knowledge.

 

Bodhi’s journey, however, was not confined to accolades and laurels. His thirst for knowledge led him to the vast landscapes of Russia, where he delved even deeper into the mysteries of space. The gratitude he harbored for his homeland and its leaders echoed in his soul, as the Chief Minister of Odisha graciously shouldered the expenses of his Russian expedition.

 

Returning home, Bodhisattwa found himself at a crossroads. The corporate world beckoned, promising stability and routine. Yet, his heart yearned for something more, something that resonated with the values instilled in him by his father – the art of utilizing technology for the common good.

 

In the corridors of his final year, a transformative vision took shape. Fuelled by the spirit of giving back, Bodhi and his friend Om Prakash Das embarked on a mission that would redefine the contours of societal impact. A nano satellite , christened VSSUT Satellite Launched Vehicle (VSLV), became their beacon of change. With incisive precision, it inspected the Hirakud Dam, unraveling depths and water currents. What made this endeavor even more remarkable was its source of funding – a collective effort from the community, a testament to the power of unity.

 

This pivotal moment marked the genesis of IG Drones, an entity born from the crucible of innovation and compassion. Their first commercial contract, measuring coal stockpiles for HINDALCO, marked their foray into the corporate arena. What started as an audacious student project metamorphosed into a force to be reckoned with, serving giants like L&T, Adani, JSW, JSPL, and ArcelorMittal. Their influence spread across 12 major PSUs and five different state governments, establishing them as stalwarts in the industry.

 

Amidst the challenges of building a niche workforce, Bodhi found a unique solution. Collaborating with the Odisha Skills Development Authority, they transformed dirt-to-dust laborers into skilled drone operators. This transformative model earned national acclaim, drawing the attention of the National Skills Development Council.

In 2022, IG Drones took on monumental tasks, monitoring India’s largest bridge in Arunachal Pradesh and overseeing 50 significant bridges across the country. Their expertise even ventured into Odisha’s ambitious Abhada Project in Puri, further cementing their legacy.

 

 

The pinnacle of their innovation manifested in India’s first 5G-enabled drone simulator, a testament to their vision for the future. Disaster management, once riddled with challenges, found a potent ally in their technology. Their mission transcended borders; they aspired to train 10 million youths, shaping India into the Global Drone Hub by 2030.

 

In the tapestry of Bodhisattwa’s journey, there existed a blend of audacity, brilliance, and compassion. His story was not merely an entrepreneurial saga; it was a testament to the limitless potential of the human spirit. From the corridors of VSSUT to the global stage, Bodhi’s odyssey echoed the belief that dreams, when pursued with unwavering determination and a compassionate heart, could redefine the future. In the legacy of IG Drones, he left behind not just a company but an inspiration – a beacon illuminating the path for generations to come, reminding them that the sky was not the limit, but merely the beginning of infinite possibilities.

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