KEDLD 2025 brings together distinguished speakers and panelists to share insights on digital libraries, knowledge engineering, and innovation through engaging common sessions and expert-led discussions.
Associate Professor, Centre of Excellence in AI, IIT KGP
Dr. Plaban Kumar Bhowmick is an Associate Professor at the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (CoEAI), IIT Kharagpur. His academic and research interests focus on artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning, with a special emphasis on developing innovative algorithms and intelligent systems for real-world applications. At IIT Kharagpur, he plays a key role in advancing AI research, guiding students, and contributing to interdisciplinary projects that integrate AI with various domains. Through his work, Dr. Bhowmick is committed to fostering innovation, nurturing future AI talent, and driving impactful research that addresses global challenges in science and technology.
Fmr. Director, Dept. of CSE, IIT Kharagpur
Partha Pratim Chakrabarti (Chakraborty) (born 1962) is an Indian computer scientist. He is a distinguished professor and the former director of IIT Kharagpur. Dr. Chakrabarti has made pioneering research contributions and solved a number of open problems. His work has been incorporated in standard text books as well as industry level tools of major international companies. He has published more than 200 papers in international journals and conferences and supervised two dozen PhD students. He is also an honorary awardee of Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology, the highest science award in India, for the engineering category in 2000.
Dept. of CSE, IIT Kharagpur, India
Sudeshna Sarkar is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and Head of the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (CoEAI) at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. With extensive expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Data Science, she has significantly contributed to both academic research and applied innovations. Under her leadership, CoEAI fosters cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaborations, and industry partnerships to drive impactful AI solutions. Professor Sarkar is recognized for her commitment to advancing AI education, mentoring young researchers, and promoting technology-driven innovation for societal and industrial transformation.
Emeritus Professor, Aerospace Engineering, IIT KGP
Kalyan Prasad Sinhamahapatra is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. A distinguished academic and researcher, he has made notable contributions in the fields of aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics, and aerospace propulsion. Throughout his career, Professor Sinhamahapatra has guided numerous research scholars, published extensively in reputed journals, and advanced aerospace engineering education in India. His expertise and mentorship have played a vital role in shaping future aerospace engineers and researchers. As an Emeritus Professor, he continues to inspire academic excellence and contribute to the growth of aerospace research at IIT Kharagpur.
Vice Chancellor of IGNOU
Prof. Uma Kanjilal has been appointed as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). A distinguished academic and administrator, she has served IGNOU in various capacities, including as Professor of Library and Information Science and Pro-Vice Chancellor. With extensive expertise in digital learning, e-content development, and open and distance education, Prof. Kanjilal has contributed significantly to enhancing access to quality education through technology-enabled platforms. Her leadership emphasizes innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence. As Acting Vice Chancellor, she is committed to strengthening IGNOU’s role as a global leader in open and distance learning, empowering millions of learners worldwide.
University Librarian, DULS
Dr. Rajesh Singh is the University Librarian at the University of Delhi, where he leads the development and management of one of India’s largest academic library systems. With rich experience in library and information science, he has contributed significantly to modernizing library services through digital transformation, resource integration, and technology-enabled access to knowledge. Dr. Singh has been actively involved in research, training, and policy development, focusing on information literacy, knowledge management, and open-access initiatives. Under his leadership, the University of Delhi libraries continue to support cutting-edge research, academic excellence, and inclusive access to information for students, scholars, and faculty.
Director General, RRRLF, India
Prof. Ajay Pratap Singh is the Director General of the Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF), India’s apex body for the promotion and development of public libraries. A visionary leader in library and information science, he has been instrumental in advancing nationwide initiatives to modernize and strengthen library services. Prof. Singh’s work emphasizes equitable access to knowledge, digital transformation of libraries, and fostering a culture of reading across communities. With a strong academic and administrative background, he continues to champion policies and programs that empower public libraries as inclusive knowledge hubs, supporting lifelong learning, research, and social development across India.
Librarian, Central Library IIT Kharagpur
Dr. B. Sutradhar is the Librarian of the Central Library at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur and Joint Principal Investigator of the National Digital Library of India (NDLI). With extensive expertise in library and information science, digital resource management, and knowledge dissemination, he has played a pivotal role in transforming traditional libraries into modern digital learning spaces. At IIT Kharagpur, he has been instrumental in strengthening library services, research support, and technology-driven access to resources. Through his leadership in NDLI, Dr. Sutradhar contributes to building a comprehensive digital knowledge repository, fostering inclusive access to education and research nationwide.
Deputy Librarian, Central Library, IIT Kharagpur
Dr. Samir Kumar Jalal is the Deputy Librarian at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, where he contributes to the management and modernization of one of India’s premier academic libraries. With expertise in library automation, digital resource management, and information services, he has been actively involved in enhancing access to scholarly content and supporting research activities. Dr. Jalal’s work focuses on integrating technology with library systems, promoting information literacy, and ensuring efficient knowledge dissemination. Dedicated to innovation and service, he plays a key role in strengthening IIT Kharagpur’s library as a vital hub for learning, research, and academic excellence.
The National Digital Library of India (NDLI) invites researchers, scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to submit papers for the international symposium “Knowledge Engineering for Digital Library Design.”