Renowned defence scientist, former DRDO Chairman, and National Security Advisory Board member Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy was honored with the prestigious EMESCO Dr. B.V. Pattabhiram Change Maker Award 2026 at a grand ceremony held at Hotel Daspalla in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, on Sunday. The award was presented by Megastar Dr. Chiranjeevi in recognition of Dr. Reddy's outstanding contributions to science, technology, and India's defence capabilities.

Speaking after receiving the award, Dr. Satheesh Reddy expressed confidence that India will soon emerge as a global superpower in the defence sector. He said the country has achieved remarkable self-reliance, now standing alongside nations such as the United States, Russia, and China in advanced missile and defence technologies.

He noted that while India once depended almost entirely on imported weapons, more than 70% of the country's defence equipment is now being produced using indigenous technology. He also highlighted that India's advanced missile systems, integrated with satellite-based guidance, can strike long-range targets with pinpoint accuracy, with some capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously.

Dr. Satheesh Reddy further revealed that nearly 25,000 industries across the country are currently contributing to India's defence manufacturing ecosystem, strengthening the nation's vision of self-reliance.

Dedicating the award to the thousands of scientists and researchers working at DRDO, he said the recognition belongs to every individual committed to safeguarding the nation through innovation and technological excellence.

During the event, a book showcasing Dr. Satheesh Reddy's achievements and contributions to India's defence sector was unveiled by EMESCO Vijayakumar and Megastar Chiranjeevi.

The ceremony was attended by Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Supreme Court Judge Justice P. Narasimha, Andhra Pradesh Minister Satyaprasad, senior Congress leader KVP Ramachandra Rao, veteran journalist K. Ramachandra Murthy, Jaya Pattabhiram, EMESCO Vijayakumar, and several other distinguished guests.