Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 17: The Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu Centre today celebrated World Telecommunication and Information Society Day with a seminar on the theme “Digital Lifelines-Strengthening Resilience in Connected World”, where speakers stressed the need for stronger cyber security systems and resilient digital infrastructure.
The programme was attended by engineers from various departments and organizations along with senior members of the institution.
Dr Piyush Singla, Secretary, IT Department, J&K Government, was the chief guest, while Ajay Khajuria, Professor-of-Practice at Model Institute of Engineering and Technology and former Marketing Head of Bharti Airtel J&K, was the keynote speaker. Anil Verma, FIE Chairman, Jammu Centre, presided over the function.
In his address, Verma highlighted both the benefits and challenges of growing digital dependence and said excessive reliance on Artificial Intelligence was affecting human thinking and innovation.
He called for developing systems to strengthen cyber security and reduce overdependence on technology.
Ajay Khajuria spoke about the importance of global internet connectivity and said nearly 95 per cent internet traffic moves through submarine cables, making their protection crucial.
He advocated multiple fibre routes, backup power systems and geographically separated data centres to ensure uninterrupted services.
During the seminar, technical papers were also presented by B L Rawal, Gopal Krishan Sharma, Ranjeev Sawhney and Joy Ganjoo on issues related to digital resilience and telecom infrastructure.
The speakers also favoured treating telecom as an essential service, opposed complete shutdowns and called for setting up a separate CERT for J&K besides strengthening safeguards against floods and other natural disasters.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Piyush Singla highlighted various Government initiatives in e-governance, online citizen services, cyber security and digital administration, and informed that the J&K State Data Centre has achieved ISO certification.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Avneet Gupta, Honorary Secretary of IEI Jammu Centre.
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