Pro Vice Chancellor-AA , Chandigarh University

About Dr. V R Raghuveer

Dr. V.R. Raghuveer is a visionary academic leader whose two decades of experience span teaching, research, and strategic academic administration. His journey reflects a deep commitment to transforming education into a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures innovation, employability, and purpose-driven learning.

Currently serving as the Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) at Chandigarh University, Dr. Raghuveer plays a key role in shaping the institution’s academic vision and governance. His leadership emphasizes quality, innovation, and outcome-based education—ensuring that academic excellence translates into real-world impact.

Previously, as the Director and Strategic Planner at the Kumaraguru School of Innovation, he championed a domain-driven, interdisciplinary approach to education. His efforts integrated innovation into every layer of learning—curriculum, research, and community engagement—while nurturing a generation of socially responsible and entrepreneurial graduates.

Dr. Raghuveer’s strategic insight has guided several prestigious institutions across India, including KL University, Indore Institute of Science and Technology, Geetanjali Institute of Technical Studies, and Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT). Across these roles, he has contributed to curriculum reform, faculty development, research ecosystems, and the creation of innovation cells that bridge academia and industry.

An advocate of the “Global Degree” model, Dr. Raghuveer envisions education as a seamless blend of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Management (STEAM). His philosophy centers on empowering students with critical thinking, adaptability, and interdisciplinary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Through strategic planning, mentorship, and an unyielding focus on innovation-led growth, Dr. Raghuveer continues to redefine higher education—building pathways that transform learners into leaders, researchers into innovators, and institutions into catalysts for societal progress.

Vice Chancellor , Chandigarh University

About

Dr. Raviraja N. Seetharam is an accomplished academic leader and biotechnology researcher whose professional journey bridges India’s premier universities and globally renowned research institutions in Canada and the United States. His path reflects a rare blend of academic excellence, industry innovation, and institutional leadership.

With over a decade of experience in India’s biotech industry and significant contributions across leading global universities, Dr. Seetharam’s work stands as a testament to interdisciplinary progress and visionary academic administration. His tenure at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has been particularly transformative. As the Founding Director of the Corporate Relations Vertical, he pioneered initiatives that strengthened industry-academia partnerships, advanced corporate-funded research programs, and expanded the university’s outreach through CSR-driven collaborations.

Over the years at MAHE, he held several strategic roles — Director of Planning and Monitoring, Chief Operating Officer, and most recently, Senior Director of Research — each contributing to the university’s evolution as a hub of innovation and research excellence. His leadership of the Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, which he also founded, has been instrumental in advancing India’s efforts in cell and gene therapy, protein engineering, regenerative medicine, and nanotechnology-based therapeutics.

His earlier roles at Stempeutics Research Pvt. Ltd. provided him with a strong foundation in biotech innovation and commercialization. As Senior Director of Innovation and Business Development, he led large-scale production of mesenchymal stromal cells, spearheaded product development, and built global partnerships for translational research in regenerative medicine.

Internationally, Dr. Seetharam has been part of leading-edge research communities, serving as faculty and postdoctoral fellow at institutions such as the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, and Mount Allison University, where he contributed to pioneering research in molecular biology, nanobiotechnology, and cancer studies.

Now stepping into his role as the Vice Chancellor of Chandigarh University, Dr. Raviraja N. Seetharam brings this vast cross-continental experience to guide one of India’s fastest-growing academic institutions. His vision centers on fostering a culture of innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and global collaboration — steering Chandigarh University toward new frontiers of research excellence, entrepreneurship, and societal impact.

Head of Stakeholder Relations APNIC Foundation Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

About

Aftab Siddiqui is a seasoned Internet infrastructure professional whose career reflects a deep-rooted commitment to strengthening the global Internet ecosystem. Based in Sydney, Aftab brings together nearly two decades of experience in both the technical and operational domains of the Internet service provider industry. His expertise spans network engineering, Internet governance, infrastructure development, and stakeholder collaboration across the Asia Pacific region.

Currently serving as the Head of Stakeholder Relations at the APNIC Foundation, Aftab leads strategic initiatives that foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders — from technology industry leaders and academia to policymakers, civil society, and development organizations. His work focuses on amplifying the Foundation’s mission by advancing technology development, building partnerships, supporting research, and driving fundraising strategies that expand the Internet’s reach and resilience.

Before joining the Foundation, Aftab played a pivotal role as Senior Manager of Internet Technology at the Internet Society, where he led projects aimed at promoting Internet standards, routing security, and the establishment of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs). His tenure included developing technical roadmaps, producing case studies and white papers, and analyzing critical global network events to enhance Internet reliability and security.

Aftab has also served as a Board Member at APRICOT and an Address Council Member at ICANN’s ASO AC, where he contributed to Internet number resource policy development and community-driven governance. His long-standing association with SANOG as a Program Committee Co-Chair underscores his dedication to knowledge sharing and regional capacity building in the South Asian networking community.

Earlier in his career, Aftab held key engineering and leadership positions at organizations such as Cyber Internet Service Provider (Pvt) Ltd., eintellego Networks, and Multinet Broadband Pakistan, where he managed large-scale network operations, data center expansions, GPON/FTTx deployments, and IPv6 adoption projects.

A self-taught network and software engineer, Aftab’s passion for Internet technologies and open collaboration has shaped his journey from the early days of ISP operations to his current role in global Internet development. Whether driving policy dialogue, mentoring technical communities, or architecting infrastructure, his work continues to embody the principle that a stronger Internet is one built by an engaged, empowered community.

Director CCAOI, Chair AprIGF, Chair IGFSA, Chair APRALO, UN IGF MAG Member

About Amrita Choudhury

Amrita Choudhury is an accomplished leader in the Internet governance and policy ecosystem, with over two decades of multifaceted experience across business development, public policy, digital inclusion, and strategic advocacy. She currently serves as the Director of the Cyber Café Association of India (CCAOI), representing the interests of over 100,000 cybercafés, kiosks, and public internet access providers across India.

As a Chair of APRALO (Asia Pacific Regional At-Large Organization), Chair of AprIGF (Asia Pacific Regional Internet Governance Forum), and Chair of the IGF Support Association (IGFSA), she plays a vital role in shaping the discourse around Internet governance, digital rights, and access equity at both national and global levels. Additionally, she is a UN IGF MAG Member, contributing to the development of multistakeholder Internet governance principles worldwide.

Her career spans leadership roles in organizations such as Sify Technologies, ORG Informatics, and NIIT, where she spearheaded initiatives in business development, policy engagement, and ecosystem partnerships. Known for her ability to bridge diverse stakeholder interests, she has led numerous policy advocacy efforts with government bodies, regulators, and international organizations such as ICANN, ISOC, WSIS, and Bestbits.

Amrita is widely recognized for her contributions to promoting digital literacy, public access initiatives, and sustainable Internet growth, blending entrepreneurial acumen with social impact leadership. Her efforts have been pivotal in advancing India’s presence and voice in the global Internet governance community.

Board of Directors PeeringDB

About Rahul makhija

A self-taught network and software engineer, passionate about Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Internet Exchange (IX) technologies, and building tools that enhance network operations. With over 16 years of experience operating ISP networks since 2007, I have continuously evolved at the intersection of network infrastructure and software automation.

As the Co-Founder and CTO of the Esto Group of Companies, I have led the design and management of robust LAN/WAN infrastructures while developing custom software solutions using Laravel and other modern frameworks to optimize network performance and reliability.

I am also the Founder of IX Updates, a platform that tracks and visualizes real-time developments in India’s Internet Exchange ecosystem, fostering greater transparency and collaboration within the networking community.

In addition, I proudly serve on the Board of Directors at PeeringDB, contributing to global Internet infrastructure initiatives and supporting the peering ecosystem.

An active volunteer and contributor to several Network Operator Groups (NOGs) including INNOG, SANOG, and APNIC, I firmly believe in continuous learning, open collaboration, and giving back to the community through knowledge sharing and open-source development.

National Cyber Security Coordinator at the Prime Minister’s Office

About Dr. Gulshan Rai

Dr. Gulshan Rai, India’s first National Cyber Security Coordinator at the Prime Minister’s Office and former Director General of CERT-In, has been a visionary leader in shaping the nation’s cybersecurity landscape. With an illustrious career spanning several decades, he has been at the forefront of building and strengthening India’s cyber defense and incident response infrastructure.

Dr. Rai’s contributions extend beyond operational excellence—he played a pivotal role in drafting and implementing the Information Technology Act, along with several other key national cybersecurity frameworks and e-governance policies. His work has significantly enhanced the country’s resilience against emerging digital threats and established robust mechanisms for secure cyber operations across government and critical sectors.

Renowned for his expertise in cybersecurity, e-governance, and IT law, Dr. Rai continues to be a trusted voice in policy formulation and strategic advisory at both national and global levels. His leadership has not only influenced India’s digital security posture but also positioned the country as a proactive participant in international cybersecurity cooperation and governance.

Fractional CTO | AI Advisor | Startup Investor

About Vinayak Hegde

Vinayak Hegde is a distinguished Fractional CTO, AI Advisor, and Technology Leader with over two decades of experience in scaling technology-driven startups and enterprises across domains such as AdTech, IoT, AI, shared mobility, and cloud infrastructure. Currently based in Bangalore, India, he works with select enterprises to help them conceive, architect, and deploy AI-powered products — from strategic ideation to production-scale execution.

As a Fractional CTO and AI Consultant, Vinayak specializes in AI architecture, product strategy, and hands-on prototyping, offering CTO-as-a-service for startups and enterprise innovation teams. He also mentors and advises several high-impact startups, including Disha AI (EdTech), Kloudle (Cybersecurity), and BonVAero (Aerial Mobility).

Previously, Vinayak held senior technology leadership roles at Microsoft, serving as Principal AI Advocate and CTO-in-Residence for Microsoft for Startups, where he helped over 500 startups across 30+ countries scale their technology and product infrastructure. His work spanned programs like ScaleUp, Highway to 100 Unicorns, and Social Impact / Amplify, enabling global innovation through technical mentorship.

Before Microsoft, Vinayak served as Chief Technology Officer at Zoomcar, VP of Engineering at Helpshift, and Lead Architect at InMobi, playing key roles in scaling platforms from early-stage growth to global success. Earlier in his career, he contributed to Akamai Technologies, Microsoft India R&D, and Speedera Networks (acquired by Akamai), focusing on distributed systems and high-performance computing.

A long-time IETF contributor, Vinayak co-authored RFC 8468, served on multiple technical committees, and has been an Internet Society Fellow five times. Combining deep technical acumen with a business-first mindset, he continues to shape the intersection of AI innovation, scalability, and sustainable tech leadership.

Associate Director at CDAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing)

About Balaji Rajendran

Balaji Rajendran is the Associate Director and Group Head at the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Bangalore, where he leads the Resilient Information Systems & Engineering (RISE) group. With extensive experience in information and network security, Balaji has been instrumental in advancing India’s cyber-infrastructure and digital trust frameworks.

His expertise spans across Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), DNS security, digital trust systems, and resilient network architectures, all of which are critical to ensuring secure and scalable Internet and enterprise systems. At C-DAC, he spearheads initiatives focused on building robust cybersecurity solutions and enhancing the resilience of national information systems through research, engineering, and collaboration with key stakeholders.

Balaji has contributed to multiple government and enterprise-level projects that strengthen India’s digital security ecosystem, emphasizing standards, interoperability, and policy-driven security implementation. He is also an active participant in national cybersecurity forums and a thought leader in the domain of trust-based Internet technologies.

Through his leadership at C-DAC and his ongoing research, Balaji Rajendran continues to shape the future of secure, trusted, and resilient digital systems in India.

Consultant, Sr. Scientist @ Network Solutions & Services, Tata Consultancy Services

About Abhijyan Bhattacharyya

Dr. Abhijyan Bhattacharyya is a Senior Scientist in the Network Solutions & Services unit at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Research, based in Kolkata, India. With over 16 years of industry experience — and more than two decades of research engagement in some references — he has made significant contributions to the fields of network protocols, low-latency communications, and next-generation Internet technologies.

At TCS Research, Dr. Bhattacharyya focuses on designing and optimizing network architectures for IoT, 5G, and edge computing ecosystems, enabling smarter, faster, and more resilient digital infrastructures. His research bridges the gap between theoretical innovation and real-world application, particularly in areas that demand high reliability and minimal latency.

A respected voice in India’s technology and research community, he frequently contributes to conferences, workshops, and technical panels, sharing insights on evolving network paradigms and their implications for enterprises and society.

Dr. Bhattacharyya’s work exemplifies the fusion of academic rigor and industrial innovation, and his contributions continue to shape the landscape of intelligent networking and communication technologies in India and beyond.

Founder / Past President of Internet Service Providers Association of India (ISPAI).

About Amitabh Singhal

Amitabh Singhal is a veteran leader and policy advocate in India’s Internet and telecommunications ecosystem, known for his instrumental role in shaping the country’s Internet infrastructure and governance framework. He is the Founder and Past President of the Internet Service Providers Association of India (ISPAI), where he played a key role in establishing policies that fostered Internet growth, accessibility, and innovation across the nation.

Amitabh has also served as the Acting CEO of the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) — the country’s central organization managing Internet Exchange Points and India’s country-code domain “.IN”. During his tenure, he contributed significantly to enhancing Internet connectivity, local traffic exchange, and national digital infrastructure resilience.

In addition to his leadership at ISPAI and NIXI, Amitabh has been associated with several prominent initiatives and organizations, including the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), where he has worked towards bridging the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion in underserved communities. His work emphasizes the importance of a resilient Internet ecosystem that supports both innovation and equitable access.

Amitabh is widely recognized for his contributions to Internet policy, digital empowerment, and multi-stakeholder governance in India. His career reflects a deep commitment to strengthening the Internet landscape through collaboration among policymakers, service providers, and civil society.

Through his strategic insight and decades of experience, Amitabh continues to play an influential role in guiding India’s digital transformation, advocating for an Internet that is open, secure, and accessible to all.

Senior Communication and Technology Advisor

About Robbie Mitchell

Robbie Mitchell is a skilled communicator and storyteller who plays a vital role in connecting the Internet technical community with the wider public through his work at the Internet Society. His focus lies in listening to and sharing impactful stories from the Internet ecosystem, while fostering collaboration and dialogue between engineers, policymakers, researchers, and global Internet users.

With a strong foundation in science and communication, Robbie holds a Master’s degree in Science Communication from the Australian National University and a degree in Biotechnology. Though not a technical native by background, he has developed deep insight into the Internet landscape through years of engagement with the technical community, translating complex topics into accessible and meaningful narratives.

Before joining the Internet Society, Robbie spent seven years at APNIC, where he managed the APNIC Blog and co-hosted the PING podcast — both respected platforms for knowledge exchange within the Internet community. His work there helped surface key discussions around Internet infrastructure, operations, and policy across the Asia-Pacific region.

Earlier in his career, Robbie worked with Australia’s oldest science communication consultancy, leading and contributing to communication, interpretive, and outreach projects related to climate change, environmental sustainability, and agricultural sciences.

Driven by curiosity and clarity of purpose, Robbie continues to champion storytelling as a bridge between technical innovation and public understanding — ensuring that the human narratives behind the Internet’s growth, resilience, and openness are heard and appreciated worldwide.

Co-Founder and CTO of the India Internet Foundation (IIFON)

About Anand Raje

Anand Raje is a seasoned technology entrepreneur, researcher, and solution architect with over 18 years of experience in software engineering, Internet technologies, and digital innovation. As the Co-Founder and CTO of the India Internet Foundation (IIFON), he has been instrumental in driving advancements in Internet architecture, cybersecurity, and network resiliency across India.

Anand’s professional journey spans multiple domains — from e-governance and IoT to cryptographic frameworks and Internet measurements. His leadership and technical expertise have contributed to several national and international initiatives aimed at improving Internet reliability and accessibility. He has previously served as Senior Consultant at NIC WBSC, led projects with VeHere Interactive and NIIT, and headed Internet Governance Initiatives at the Cyber Peace Foundation.

Actively engaged with global Internet communities, Anand collaborates with organizations such as the Internet Society (ISOC), ICANN, IETF, and Hyperledger Kolkata. He has been a fellow of ICANN, APRICOT, APSIG, and IETF, and is an alumnus of ISOC’s Next Generation Leaders and Mid-Career Fellowship programs. His research contributions include the AIORI Internet Measurement Network, a pioneering platform that enhances the understanding of Internet performance and resiliency in India.

Anand holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science and NIELIT B-Level certification, along with professional credentials including DSCI DCPLA, CSSP, and CCNSP. His ongoing research focuses on Internet resiliency, DNS security, and post-quantum cryptography, reflecting his commitment to building a more secure, stable, and future-ready Internet ecosystem.

Digital Governance | ICT Standards | Chevening Fellow | IEC GRAC – Member | PTI – Board Member |  Chair, India Internet Foundation (IIFON)

About Anupam Agrawal

Anupam Agrawal is an accomplished Information Technology practitioner with extensive leadership experience in digital governance, ICT standards, and technology policy. As Chair of the India Internet Foundation (IIFON), he plays a pivotal role in advancing trust, resilience, and governance within India’s Internet ecosystem.

He holds dual finance qualifications from ICAI and ICWAI, alongside professional certifications in IT Security (ISACA, USA) and Internet Governance (University of Aarhus, Germany). A Chevening Fellow, Anupam has also completed the Next Generation Leaders Program by the Internet Society and DIPLO Foundation, reflecting his global engagement in technology policy and governance.

Anupam’s professional journey includes key roles such as Chair of the Internet Society – Kolkata Chapter, Co-Anchor at the Data Security Council of India, and multiple leadership positions at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Corporate Industry Forums and Standards. He has contributed to the Government of India Working Group on Internet Standardization, where he helped conceptualize the Indian IETF Capacity Building (IICB) Program.

With active participation in IGF, ICANN, and ITU forums, and fellowships from ICANN, ISOC, and NIXI, he has been instrumental in initiatives like setting up the first L-root instance in India (Kolkata) and IPv6 capacity-building partnerships with APNIC.

Anupam combines strategic policy insight with grassroots program implementation, driving collaborations that align business growth with digital inclusion. A firm believer in lifelong learning and innovation, he embodies the principle — “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

Professor at Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati

About Prof. T. Venkatesh

Prof. T. Venkatesh is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati). He earned his Ph.D. from IIT Madras in 2009, specializing in the performance evaluation of computer networks, a domain where he continues to make impactful contributions through both research and teaching.

His current research interests span cloud computing and networking, multimedia content delivery, and network telemetry. He is the co-author of the book “An Analytical Approach to Optical Burst Switched Networks” published by Springer (USA), which reflects his deep expertise in high-speed optical networks.

Venkatesh serves as an Associate Editor for the IEEE Networking Letters and the Springer Journal of Network and Systems Management. He is also a Senior Member of IEEE and has acted as a reviewer and technical committee member for several prestigious IEEE conferences and journals including IEEE INFOCOM, ICC, GLOBECOM, and COMSNETS.

He has successfully led and collaborated on multiple national research projects funded by MeitY, DST, SERB, and MHRD, focusing on areas such as 5G V2X communications, edge computing, and ICT-based learning frameworks.

Venkatesh has organized and chaired numerous international conferences including IEEE ICNP, ANTS, and CloudNet, earning recognition through Best Paper and Poster Awards at IEEE ICON, ANTS, DRCN, and COMSNETS. His scholarly work continues to influence advancements in network performance, cloud infrastructure, and resilient communication systems in India and beyond.

Head, Centre for Career Development &Associate Professor, Department of CSE, IITG

About Dr. John Jose

Dr. John Jose is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and Head of the Centre for Career Development at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG). With over a decade of experience in academia and research, he is known for his expertise in computer systems, network-on-chip architectures, and performance evaluation of computing systems.

At IIT Guwahati, Dr. Jose leads initiatives that bridge industry-academia collaboration, facilitating student training, internships, and campus placements through strategic partnerships with leading organizations. His leadership at the Centre for Career Development focuses on equipping students with next-generation skills and fostering a culture of innovation and employability.

Beyond IITG, he serves as the Vice Chair for Industry–Academia Relations at the IEEE India Council, where he plays a pivotal role in strengthening ties between academic institutions and the technology industry. His contributions include organizing workshops, knowledge exchange programs, and mentoring initiatives that connect engineering education with real-world applications.

Previously, Dr. Jose served as an Assistant Professor at Rajagiri School of Engineering & Technology, Kochi, following the completion of his Ph.D. in Computer Engineering. His academic and professional journey reflects a commitment to advancing research, skilling, and outreach in the field of computer science education.

Dr. Jose’s work continues to inspire collaboration across academia, research, and industry — fostering a stronger and more resilient digital ecosystem for India’s next generation of engineers.

Vice President, Stakeholder Engagement & Managing Director – APAC

About Samiran Gupta

Samiran Gupta is the Vice President, Stakeholder Engagement & Managing Director – APAC at ICANN, with over three decades of experience in Government Affairs, Public Advocacy, Corporate Advisory, and Strategic Communication. Renowned for his leadership in shaping India’s digital and internet policy landscape, he has been deeply involved in initiatives that bridge technology, governance, and socio-economic development.

Samiran’s career spans leadership roles across ICANN, Twitter (now X Corp), and APCO Worldwide, where he worked closely with governments, regulatory authorities, and global corporations to drive meaningful policy impact. At ICANN, he played a key role in strengthening India’s support for the multi-stakeholder model of Internet Governance, while his tenure at Twitter/X saw him leading government affairs for India and South Asia, collaborating with ministries such as MeitY, RBI, and Election Commission of India.

His strategic expertise has empowered leading corporations and startups to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, enabling business expansion and fostering digital inclusion across the Asia-Pacific region. A passionate advocate for technology-driven empowerment, Samiran believes in collaboration, mentorship, and continuous learning. Beyond the boardroom, he contributes as a Distinguished Non-Resident Fellow at the Kautilya School of Public Policy and remains actively engaged in initiatives that nurture innovation, youth leadership, and inclusive digital growth.

CEO at National Internet Exchange of India, Ministry of Communication & Information Technology , Govt. Of IndiaFormer Senior Director at STPI, Ministry of Electronics and IT, Government Of India.

About Devesh Tyagi

Shri Devesh Tyagi is a distinguished technology leader and senior government executive with over four decades of experience in the ICT ecosystem, public policy, and digital infrastructure development. Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), under the Ministry of Communications & IT, Government of India, he is driving key national initiatives in internet governance, IPv6 adoption, and domain infrastructure enhancement.

Before joining NIXI, Mr. Tyagi served as Senior Director at the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), where he played a pivotal role in formulating policies and implementing programs that catalyzed the growth of India’s IT, ITES, and electronics export ecosystem. His leadership in operationalizing schemes such as STP/EHTP/SEZ significantly contributed to the creation of India’s globally recognized technology export network.

A strategic visionary with deep expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Blockchain, IoT, and Automation, Mr. Tyagi has consistently championed the integration of emerging technologies into governance and enterprise systems. His multidisciplinary approach bridges technology policy, infrastructure development, and startup ecosystem enablement, empowering innovation-driven growth.

As a board member of NIXI and MTNL, he brings extensive insight into governance frameworks, digital transformation strategies, and inclusive IT development. Known for his commitment to advancing India’s digital economy, Mr. Tyagi continues to guide national efforts in cyber resilience, digital inclusion, and next-generation internet infrastructure.

Joint Secretary, MeitY, Government of India

About Susil Pal

Shri Sushil Pal is a 1999-batch civil servant with extensive experience in public policy, finance, and digital governance within multiple ministries of the Government of India. Currently serving as Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), he plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s digital transformation and technology policy frameworks.

Over his distinguished career, Mr. Pal has contributed to the financial and administrative management of key ministries, including the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Department of Fertilizers, and the Ministry of Finance. As Chief Controller of Accounts at MHA, he oversaw national-level budget management and fiscal control systems, enhancing transparency and accountability.

In earlier roles, he served as Director at the Department of Fertilizers and as Personal Secretary to the Minister of Home Affairs, where he managed inter-ministerial coordination and policy execution at the highest levels. His international exposure includes a tenure as Treasury Advisor to the Ministry of Finance, Timor-Leste, contributing to public finance reform and capacity building initiatives.

Known for his strategic vision and cross-domain expertise, Shri Pal combines his understanding of technology, governance, and public finance to advance national objectives in digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and innovation-driven policy development under MeitY.

Internet Measurement and Data Expert, Internet Society

About Amreesh Phokeer

Amreesh Phokeer is a distinguished Internet Measurement and Data Expert at the Internet Society (ISOC), where he leads global initiatives focused on Internet measurements, analyzing Internet shutdowns, and studying market dynamics that influence the growth and resilience of the Internet worldwide. Since joining ISOC in April 2021, Amreesh has played a key role in promoting data-driven insights and fostering transparency in how the Internet evolves, especially in emerging regions.

Before his tenure at the Internet Society, Amreesh served as the Research Manager at the African Network Information Center (AFRINIC), where he spearheaded groundbreaking research in Internet security and measurement. At AFRINIC, he was instrumental in deploying critical Internet security frameworks such as Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI) and Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) across African networks, thereby strengthening the region’s cybersecurity and routing resilience.

Beyond his professional commitments, Amreesh is deeply involved in academia, contributing to numerous scientific publications in leading conferences focused on network performance, cybersecurity, and Internet governance. He has also been a Program Committee Member and General Chair at prestigious events such as the EAI AFRICOMM Conference, demonstrating his commitment to advancing Internet research and collaboration within the global technical community.

Amreesh holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, an M.S. in Computer Science from Telecom Nancy, France, and an M.Sc. in Information Security from the University of London, UK. Currently based in Mauritius, he balances his technical pursuits with creative hobbies such as watercolor painting and scuba diving, reflecting his versatile and inquisitive personality.