Haridwar, April 12 (H.S.) — On the second day of the 123rd annual celebrations at Gurukul Kangri University, an international research seminar was grandly organized on the topic “AI-driven Next Generation Digital Forensics: Trends, Research and Advances in Criminal Evidence.” The inaugural session began with Vande Mataram and the university anthem.

Chief Guest, Haridwar Jail Superintendent Manoj Kumar Arya, said that in the digital era, the nature and patterns of crime have changed rapidly. Digital forensics and AI tools are playing a crucial role in tackling these challenges. He added that while the use of AI is the need of the hour, youth must also be cautious about over-dependence on it.

Guest of Honour K.M. Varshney, former Director and expert from the Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad, stated that converting evidence into truth is the essence of forensic science. He noted that with forensic investigation made mandatory in serious crimes under the new legal framework, the demand for experts has increased, making it a promising career option for youth.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Pratibha Mehta Luthra, in her अध्यक्षीय address, said that AI-based digital forensic technologies have helped solve many previously unsolved cases. She emphasized the need to make forensic science a compulsory subject in educational institutions.

During the program, Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Prof. Satyendra Kumar Rajput highlighted the objectives of the seminar, while Director of Research and Development Dr. Suhas shared information about ongoing research at the university. The session was conducted by Dr. Kalpana Sagar.

Dr. Satya Prakash, a scientist from Imperial College London, delivered an online lecture on “Application of Barcoding in Forensic Science,” explaining that DNA barcoding technology enables accurate identification of real criminals. He said that coordination between forensic science and genetics can help solve complex cases more efficiently.

Experts from countries including New Zealand, the UAE, and Nepal presented their research at the seminar. On the occasion, a 21-kundiya yajna was also organized in the university campus, with participation from chief guests, special guests, and university officials. The yajna was coordinated by Dr. Deendayal and Dr. Vedvrat.

Following the scientific sessions, cultural programs including folk songs, giddha, bhangra, yoga performances, and short plays captivated the audience. At the end of the program, guests also participated in plantation of medicinal plants.

The समारोह also featured complex yoga demonstrations by students of the Yoga Department and Kanya Gurukul, a speech competition on Swami Shraddhanand, a play based on the lives of Swami Dayanand and Swami Shraddhanand, and a poetry session by young poets.

Around 350 participants from across various states of India, as well as international participants, took part in the seminar through both online and offline modes. In the concluding session, Dr. B.K. Sanjay delivered his address.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar