Media Release

Kundapur, Apr 9: A major international conference on 'Computational Intelligence, Electronics and Smart Technologies' (ICCIEST-2026) was inaugurated with great pomp at the Moodlakatte Institute of Technology, Kundapur.

In the program, which began with the lighting of a lamp, leading figures from India's technological and defense sectors participated.

Vijayant Gaur, director general, Cyber Security Association of India (New Delhi) and chief advisor, MITK, Lt Col (Dr) Santosh Khadsare, renowned cyber security expert and retired officer of the Indian Army graced the occasion. M Nilesh G Chauhan, police inspector, Cyber Crime Police Station, Udupi, was also present.

The keynote speaker, Vijayant Gaur, encouraged the students by saying, "You are the digital guardians of the future." He asserted that in this era of increasing digitalization, cybersecurity is not just a profession, it is a service to the nation.

Lieutenant Colonel Santosh Khadsare, who comes from a farming family, shared his journey in the Indian Army and the technical field, inspiring students from rural areas.

Udupi cyber crime inspector Nilesh G Chauhan created awareness among the students about the recent cyber frauds taking place in the society. Speaking on the occasion, police constable Nilesh appreciated the progress made by MITK from 2008 till date. He also extended an open invitation to the students to do internship at the police station to assist the police in cyber cases and gain practical experience.

The principal of the college, Dr Ramakrishna Hegde spoke about the research commitment of MITK. Dr Chandra Vijay Singh explained the objectives of the conference, while Prof Srinidhi introduced the guests. Shristi proposed the vote of thanks. This conference has set a new milestone in intellectual debate at the regional level. It is noteworthy that more than 115 research papers are being presented in this conference, which is being held in hybrid mode.