Keynote / Plenary Talks

Prof. Siba Kumar Udgata is a Professor in Computer and Information Sciences at University of Hyderabad (Institution of Eminence), India. He is serving as the Director, Center for Modelling, Simulation and Design (CMSD), which is a high performance computing center established by Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India at University of Hyderabad. He is a fellow of Telangana Academy of Sciences. He is United Nations Fellow and worked at the United Nations University/International Institute for Software Technology, Macau. He is a recipient of SUR (Shared University Research) Award grant from IBM Inc for his research in sensor network based rescue management system. His research focus is on development of intelligent sensors, Internet of Things, Wi-Fi Sensing for assistive healthcare, and development of Intelligent algorithms for differnet applications etc. He was volume editor for several Springer LNAI, AISC, LNNS International Conference proceedings and also associate editor and editorial board member of IOS Press Knowledge and Engineering System (KES) Journal and Elsevier International Journal of Graphs and Applications. He has authored a book “Internet of Things and Sensor network for COVID-19 published by Springer Nature publication house.

Prof. Udgata has published around 200 research papers in reputed international journals and conference proceedings. He visited several countries like United states of America, United Kingdom, Japan, China, Hong kong, Macau, Chine, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Dubai etc. as visiting professor, invited speaker and to present research papers. He has worked as principal investigator of many research projects mainly for the development of Wireless Sensor Network applications, Wi-Fi sensing for assistive healthcare, WiSE-Home Technology and development of Intelligent Algorithms for human activity recognitions funded by DST, MEITY, DRDO, IBM, and other international agencies with a total funding support of more than Rs. 8 crores.

Mr. Sonjib Banerjee is the Founder & Chairman of the Manav Group of Companies, a global leader in electrical safety, reliability, and grounding solutions for critical infrastructure. With over 30 years of experience in the power, energy, and industrial sectors, he has been a driving force behind innovative approaches in grounding system design, lightning protection, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) mitigation, and renewable energy technologies. His visionary leadership has helped the Manav Group establish a strong international presence, offering comprehensive turnkey solutions that adhere to global safety and performance standards.

Mr. Banerjee is widely respected for his strategic foresight, deep technical expertise, and consistent dedication to enhancing industrial safety through research, knowledge-sharing, and policy advocacy. He is the inventor and patent holder of several breakthrough technologies, including Remote Fault Earth Resistance Monitoring Systems, 3D PIXOLAR Tubes, and the Shadow-Free Retractable Mast for Lightning Protection Systems.

He holds active memberships with several prestigious organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRÉ), the Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers’ Association (IEEMA), and the Global Council for Electrical Safety. He has also contributed as a former panelist at the International Conference on Lightning Protection (ICLP) and served as an industry collaborator with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in the area of electrical safety.

Mr. Banerjee has authored numerous technical publications, including “Undesirable Effects of Various Frequencies in System and its Mitigation through Effective Grounding” (Bechtel VTE 2023), “Conductive and Radiative Stresses in Power Systems at the Time of Fault, Switching, and Lightning: Challenges and Mitigation” (Bechtel VTE 2021), “Lightning Protection at Burj Khalifa” (ILPS, 2014), and “Modern Concepts of Earthing” (Water and Energy International, 2012).

In recognition of his contributions, the US-Asia Business Forum in Los Angeles named him “Man of the Year” for Infrastructure Safety in 2010. He also received a Certificate of Recognition from US Congressman Mr. Brad Sherman. He was recently honored with the 2024 Global Excellence in Disruptive Innovation in Renewable Energy & Safety Award presented to Manav Energy Middle East Enterprises FZCO by Frost & Sullivan.

Dr. K. Shanti Swarup is a Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, which he earned in 1990. Since joining IIT Madras, Dr. Swarup has been actively engaged in both teaching and high-impact research in areas such as power system modeling and simulation, numerical optimization, protection systems, and the development of smart grid technologies.

With more than three decades of academic and industrial experience, including a tenure as Visiting Research Scientist at Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in Japan, Dr. Swarup has contributed significantly to the field of electrical power systems. His research focuses on emerging areas like microgrids, distribution system automation, and SCADA-based energy management systems. He has published over 98 journal papers, 125 conference articles, and several book chapters, with his scholarly work cited extensively in academia.

Dr. Swarup has supervised numerous doctoral students and continues to mentor researchers working on advanced problems in smart grid restoration and power system optimization. A distinguished academic, Dr. K. Shanti Swarup is recognized for his dedication to advancing the field of electrical engineering through both research and education.