Mangaluru: Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management, Mangaluru, through its Department of CSE (AI & ML) and the SHINE Foundation under the GENESIS Scheme, successfully hosted the AI & Quantum Symposium BHARAT SHAKTI: Catalysing Innovation for an Aspirational Bharat. The programme featured leading experts in Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Science and emerging technologies, offering students vital insights into India’s innovation-driven future.
Inaugural highlights and presidential address
The symposium began with a welcome address by Dr Pushpalatha K, Head of the Department, followed by the presidential address delivered by Dr S. S. Injaganeri, Principal, who emphasised curiosity, innovation and student leadership in advancing India’s technological aspirations.
The ceremonial lamp lighting was conducted by Sahyadri AI & ML students alongside eminent dignitaries:
• Prof. P. C. Deshmukh, Quantum Scientist, IIT Madras & IIT Tirupati; Advisor, Bharat WHYTEC
• Shri Madhav Bissa, Director of Artificial Intelligence & Data Sciences, nasscom.ai
• Prof. Udaya Birje Raghunath, Cofounder, ThinkStreet Technologies
• Dr S. S. Injaganeri, Principal
• Dr Pushpalatha K, Head of the Department
Sessions on leadership, innovation and emerging technologies
Prof. Udaya Birje Raghunath, also Professor of Practice at the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, delivered a motivating session on strengthening Aatma Nirbhar Bharat through indigenous technology development. He encouraged students to contribute to making Mangaluru a rising technology hub and outlined five principles of authentic leadership, urging learners to lead with clarity and integrity.
Shri Madhav Bissa engaged participants with an interactive session on intelligent systems and agentic AI, highlighting the transformative role of artificial intelligence in India’s technological growth. He encouraged students to build future-ready competencies essential for an innovation-driven economy.
In a compelling session, Prof. P. C. Deshmukh spoke on the future of quantum technology, explaining its potential to revolutionise global computing. He emphasised the significance of quantum encryption in building secure digital systems and shared emerging research avenues for aspiring scientists.
Recognitions and conclusion
The symposium concluded with the resource persons felicitating the Principal, acknowledging Sahyadri College’s sustained contributions to innovation and its commitment to fostering a strong research ecosystem.
The event was coordinated by Dr Sadhana Rai, Prof. Shruthi Vishwajeeth, and Prof. Sowmya Kulal, whose efforts ensured a meaningful and impactful academic experience for participating students.