Cyber Security Takes Center Stage at Shashwat Urja 2026

• Experts Discuss Safeguarding India’s Digital Power Grid

  Dr. Vijaykumar Gadhavi Leads Power Sector Cyber Security Panel-Shashwat Urja Conference Highlights Critical Infrastructure Security

Prof. (Dr.) Vijaykumar Gadhavi Moderates Panel Discussion on Cyber Security Challenges in the Power Sector at the National Conference “Shashwat Urja”

Ahmedabad : The National Conference on “Shashwat Urja – Clean Energy, Green Environment, Secure Future” was successfully organized on 2–3 July 2026 at the Research Park, IIT Gandhinagar by NEED Mission in association with the Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP), with the support of Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) and Vigyan Gurjari.

The conference featured IIT Gandhinagar and GPRD Cell, Gandhinagar as Knowledge Partners. The event was supported by leading organizations, including Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA), i-Hub Gujarat, Eppeltone Engineers, AIAAJ Solar Limited, and Veracity Recycler as Event Sponsors. Prominent Event Partners included Gujarat Technological University (GTU), IIT Bombay Alumni Association (Ahmedabad Chapter), Rajesh Power Services Ltd., iCreate, and several other reputed institutions.

The conference was graced by Shri Arjunbhai Modhwadia, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Forests & Environment, Climate Change, Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat, as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasized the importance of clean energy, sustainable development, scientific research, and technological innovation for building a secure and environmentally responsible future.

As part of the conference, Prof. (Dr.) Vijaykumar Gadhavi, Head of the Department of Computer Engineering & Information Technology at Swarrnim Startup & Innovation University, had the privilege of moderating a high-level panel discussion on “Cyber Security Challenges in the Power Sector: Securing Critical Infrastructure in the Digital Era.”

The distinguished panel featured renowned experts from academia and industry:

Dr. Bapu S. Bindhumadhava, Head, POWERGRID Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security, IISc Bengaluru, a leading expert in critical infrastructure protection, SCADA/ICS security, and cybersecurity for the power sector with over two decades of experience.

Prof. Sarasij Das, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, an eminent researcher specializing in smart grids, power systems, cyber-physical systems, and AI-driven energy technologies.

Mr. Chandrakant Pendor, General Manager (IT), Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL), an experienced professional in digital transformation, IT governance, cybersecurity, and smart utility management in the power sector. The panel deliberated on critical issues including cybersecurity of India’s power grid, protection of critical infrastructure, SCADA/ICS security, smart grid resilience, AI-enabled cyber defence, ransomware threats, and national strategies for strengthening cyber resilience in the energy sector.

Prof. (Dr.) Vijaykumar Gadhavi brings over 21 years of experience in academics, research, and academic administration in Computer Engineering. His areas of expertise include Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things (IoT), Cyber Forensics, E-Governance, and Data Security. He has published 61 research papers in reputed national and international journals and conferences, authored books, secured patents, and actively supervises Ph.D. scholars while contributing to curriculum development and research innovation.

The conference was efficiently coordinated by Shri Jignesh Borisagar and Shri Astik Dadhaniya, whose dedicated efforts and meticulous planning ensured the successful execution of the event.

At the conclusion of the session, Prof. (Dr.) Vijaykumar Gadhavi expressed his sincere gratitude to Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), Vigyan Gurjari, NEED Mission, CBIP, IIT Gandhinagar, the Knowledge Partners, Event Sponsors, Event Partners, coordinators Shri Jignesh Borisagar and Shri Astik Dadhaniya, and all distinguished speakers and participants. He stated that such national forums play a vital role in strengthening collaboration among academia, industry, government, and research organizations, while contributing significantly to the development of a secure, resilient, and sustainable energy ecosystem for India.