Eastern India IT Fair 2025 : Bridging the Physical and Digital Worlds for a Smarter Tomorrow

Navigating the Digital Age and Exploring the Future of Cyber Defense, the14th chapter of the event celebrated Partnerships and Progress and called for Ethical Innovation and Collaboration.

The city of Kolkata came alive on the evening of the 5th September. The 14th Eastern India Information Technology Fair (EIITF) 2025, hosted by VARINDIA brought together technology leaders, CXOs, policymakers, value-added resellers (VARs), and innovators under one roof, with the central theme ‘Connecting the Physical & Digital World.’

EIITF has  long  been  recognized  as a premier platform in Eastern India for fostering   collaboration, networking, and knowledge-sharing across the ICT ecosystem. This year’s  edition  proved  to be no  exception,  offering  a  vibrant  mix of inspiring speeches, thought-provoking sessions, and forward-looking discussions.

The event began with the ceremonial lamp lighting. Distinguished guests including Mr. Sanjay Kumar Das, Additional Secretary & CISO, Govt. of West Bengal, Prof Amlan Chakraborty, Professor and Director, A.K. Choudhury School of IT- University of Kolkata, Dr. Arindam Sarkar, Head   of   Department of C S & Electronics- Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira- Howrah, Dr. Debabrata Nayak, Director-PWC  India, Mr. Dinesh Kumar Sales Director-India & SAARC- SOTI, Mr. Sashwata Roy, VP- WinnoVation, Mr. Ashish Khanna, CEO- Intensity Global Technologies Ltd., Mr. Manish Lunia, President COMPASS , Mr. Sourav Das, Group Chief of Digital & IT- Rupa & Co., Mr. Rishikesh Singh- VP-IT & Digital- Grasim Industries, Mr. K L Lalani, Chairman- Lalani Group of Companies, Dr. Pallab Ganguly, CISO Generation & Alt. CISO Distribution- CESC, Mr. Sandeep Sengupta, Founder- ISOAH Data Securities and along with several tech leaders have joined the event.

From L to R: Mr. Sarthak Bhuyan, CEO- Quantun Technology Systems; Mr. Rishikesh Singh- VP-IT & Digital- Grasim Industries Ltd.; Dr. Pallab Ganguly, CISO Generation & Alt CISO Distribution- CESC Ltd.; Mr. Dinesh Kumar, Sales Director (India and SAARC)- SOTI; Mr. Sashwata Roy, V.P- Winnovation ; Mr. Sanjay Kumar Das, Addl. Sec & CISO, Govt. of West Bengal; Mr. Sandeep Sengupta, Founder- ISOAH Data Securities; Mr. Sourav Das, Group Chief of Digital & IT- Rupa & Co.; Dr. Deepak Kumar Sahu, Publisher & Editor-in-chief-VARINDIA and Group Publications; Mr. Ashish Khanna, CEO- Intensity, Global Technologies Ltd.; Dr. Arindam Sarkar, Head of Department of C S & Electronics- Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandira- Howrah; Dr. Debabrata Nayak, Director-PWC India and Prof. Amlan Chakraborty, Professor & Director, A.K. Choudhury School of IT - University

The lamp lighting followed by welcome address by Dr. Deepak Kumar Sahu, Editor-in-Chief- VARINDIA, which set the tone for an evening of inspiration and innovation. He says, VARs and partners fuel growth by opening new markets and expertise. As Identity and Access Management( IAM) evolves from static to behavioral biometrics, fraud and AI-driven threats rise globally. India embraces AI for security, innovation, and resilience.

KEYNOTE SESSIONS: FROM CPU TO QPU AND CYBERSECURITY PREPAREDNESS

The technical sessions commenced with Prof. Amlan Chakraborty, who delivered a compelling talk on the evolution of computing—from CPU to GPU, and now towards Quantum Processing Units (QPUs). His vision underlined how quantum computing could redefine the future of industries.

Next, Mr. Sanjay Kumar Das addressed the growing challenges of cybercrime and the importance of strengthening both technological infrastructure and citizen awareness. He shared insights into the Government of West Bengal’s preparedness, citing initiatives like KarmoBhumi and the Cyber Security Centre of Excellence.

Dr. Arindam Sarkar delivered a presentation on deepfake readiness and synthetic fraud prevention, emphasizing that AI-driven threats must be met with equally innovative security solutions. He highlighted how FaceOff equips enterprises with digital forensics to detect and combat deepfakes and  synthetic  fraud.  Powered by the Adaptive Cognitive Engine (ACE), FaceOff enables advanced detection and protection against evolving AI and GenAI threats.

CORPORATE LEADERS SHARED INNOVATIONS

The corporate segment of the event witnessed dynamic presentations by Mr. Sashwata Roy (WinnoVation), who also introduced his 3 industry partners. Mr. Swapnil Tripathi, Co-founder-We360.ai, Mr.  Dinesh  Kumar,  Sales  Director-India & SAARC- SOTI and Mr. Sabarinder Singh, Founder Director- WinnoVation Education. All  of  them  pictured  infront of the audience about how WinnoVation was using AI create the magical difference leading to seemless digitalization and growth.

This was followed by the presentations from Mr. Ashish Khanna of Intensity Global Technologies Ltd., and Mr. Rajeev Magotra, Sr. Vice President- Haritasa Electronics Solutions Pvt. Ltd. They showcased how enterprises are leveraging cloud, AI, ESG, and digital transformation strategies to stay competitive in an evolving market.

Each presentation emphasized the role of VARs and channel partners as key enablers in connecting technology manufacturers with end-users. The next key to successful tomorrow was partnerships.

PANEL DISCUSSION: CONNECTING THE PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL WORLD

The next highlight of the evening was a lively panel discussion on the event’s central  theme:  ‘Connecting  the  Physical & Digital World’. Moderated by Dr. Deepak Kumar Sahu, Editor-in-Chief of VARINDIA, the panel featured experts including Dr. Debabrata Nayak, Director- PWC India, Mr. Prakash  Tripathi,  GM- IT- Shyam Steel Industries, Dr. Pallab Ganguly (CISO Generation & Alt CISO Distribution- CESC Ltd., Mr. Abhijit Chatterjee, Sr. Director- IT & Corp. Comm. & CISO- TCG Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd., and Mr.  Rishikesh  Kumar  Singh, V.P- IT & Digital- Grasim Industries Ltd., (Aditya Birla Group).

Experts emphasized   the   importance of data quality, cybersecurity, compliance standards, and strategic deployment of sensors. Discussions also covered how AI- driven analytics, infrastructure readiness, and cross-functional collaboration are essential to optimizing operations, ensuring traceability, and enhancing customer experiences in today’s connected ecosystem. The discussion highlighted the transformative power of IoT, AI, and secure digital ecosystems, stressing that innovation must be ethical, collaborative, and scalable. Delegates applauded the panel for delivering actionable insights on aligning physical infrastructure with digital innovation.

CELEBRATING THE PTA

This year also marked the first anniversary of the Philanthropic Technical Association (PTA), a unique initiative uniting CIOs, CTOs, and IT leaders from West Bengal to contribute toward technology-driven social change. Mr. Sourav Das, Group Chief of Digital & IT at Rupa & Co. and Chairman of PTA, spoke about their mission of creating a more equitable ICT community.

The evening concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr. Anil Kumar Sahu, Vice President of VARINDIA.

LOOKING AHEAD

The 14th Eastern India IT Fair 2025 not only celebrated milestones but also charted the  course  for  the  future  of  technology in the region. By uniting government, academia, corporates, and VARs, the event reinforced its commitment to empowering businesses, fostering innovation, and connecting the physical and digital worlds for a smarter tomorrow.

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Quantum Mission and ML are advancing India’s global quantum leadership!

PROF AMLAN CHAKRABORTY, 
PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR, 
A.K. CHOUDHURY SCHOOL OF IT- UNIVERSITY OF KOLKATA

When I look back at the evolution of computing—from my undergraduate years to today—the goal has always been the same: achieving more power at lower cost, with greater energy efficiency. This pursuit has taken us from early processors to the cloud era, enabling us to process massive datasets, handle countless threats, and solve increasingly complex problems faster than ever before.

Classical computing encodes information in bits—zeros and ones. Quantum computing, however, uses qubits, which can exist in a superposition of states. A qubit represents both 0 and 1 simultaneously, with probabilities attached. Two qubits encode four possibilities, three encode eight, and n qubits represent 20 states. This exponential scaling gives quantum computing its extraordinary potential.

Yet, immense power brings immense challenges. As qubit counts rise, their interactions generate noise and errors. That is why quantum error correction is central to current research. I believe stable systems with hundreds or even thousands of qubits are on the horizon, unlocking transformative breakthroughs.

Still, not every problem needs quantum solutions. Just as GPUs accelerate specific tasks, quantum processors will serve as accelerators for select domains—drug discovery, material design, and astrophysics among them. The real challenge lies in identifying problems where quantum offers clear advantages.

Globally, researchers are testing multiple approaches—superconducting qubits, ion traps, photonics, and spin-based systems. India, through the National Quantum Mission, is advancing strongly. I take pride in our group being the first in India to win the IBM Researcher’s Access Award, and in seeing our PhD students now contributing to leading global technology firms.

Meanwhile, quantum communication is already proving practical. Tools like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)provide ultra-secure channels, and quantum internet protocols
are beginning to take shape. These require fewer qubits than full-scale computing, making them more feasible in the near term.

The intersection of AI and quantum is another frontier. Quantum machine learning promises new opportunities, and this synergy may define the next wave of technological
progress.

Ultimately, quantum technology is not just about science—it is about reshaping industries, economies, and national security. The road ahead will be complex, but it is
filled with possibilities.

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5G, Metaverse, and Digital Twins: Building a Cyber- Physical India

SANJAY KUMAR DAS
ADDITIONAL SECRETARY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY & BIO TECHNOLOGY, 
DEPARTMENT & STATE INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER, GOVT. OF WEST BENGAL

Digital transformation is redefining our world, with remarkable examples like Satnavari, an AI-powered smart village near Nagpur, and Mumbai’s use of 70,000 AI- enabled CCTV feeds to create a digital twin for managing Ganpati Bappa celebrations. These innovations demonstrate how technology can model and navigate real-world complexities, showcasing the immense potential of digital solutions.

At the core of this transformation is the concept of digital twins, which enable predictive and intelligent decision-making in areas like urban planning, traffic management, and disaster resilience. India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), exemplified by UPI and open APIs, forms the backbone of this progress, delivering scalable and inclusive systems that revolutionize daily life and commerce.

Looking ahead, we must embrace forward-thinking strategies, including post-quantum security, 5G advancements, and metaverse technologies for governance and citizen services. Imagine blockchain-secured electoral processes or immersive digital platforms resolving disputes—these are no longer distant possibilities but emerging realities.

Global standards are critical to ensure the acceptance and interoperability of these innovations. Security must be embedded from the outset, not retrofitted, to build trust and resilience in digital systems.

For Eastern India, with its vibrant MSMEs and urban innovation hubs, the potential is vast. By leveraging emerging technologies, fostering smart urban ecosystems, and prioritizing security and inclusivity, the region can lead in digital transformation.

The future I envision is one where floods are predicted and mitigated, traffic systems save lives, and students in remote villages access world-class education. By modernizing infrastructure, adhering to global standards, and applying innovation with a local-to- global mindset, we can build a secure, inclusive, and sustainable digital society.

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Building Trust with Federated Learning in a World of Digital Illusions

DR. ARINDAM SARKAR
HOD & ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ELECTRONICS, 
RAMAKRISHNA MISSION

Deepfake and synthetic fraud have become the new normal now and it needs immedicate attention.

At its core, synthetic fraud involves creating fake identities by blending real and fabricated personal information. Fraudsters frequently use authentic data—such as Aadhaar or PAN details, addresses, or birthdates—and combine them with fictitious names to forge identities that appear legitimate. These identities are then used to pass verification checks, build financial credibility, and exploit systems—all without a real-world victim, making detection far more difficult.

Compounding this threat is the rapid evolution of deepfake technology. Leveraging advanced AI, attackers can now generate hyper-realistic fake images, voices, and videos that mimic real individuals with uncanny accuracy. While ethical AI platforms like ChatGPT are designed to block malicious content, underground tools such as FraudGPT and DarkBart openly assist bad actors—offering tutorials on generating deepfakes, embedding malware, and manipulating videos with flawless lip-sync.

To counter this, advanced deepfake detection systems like Faceoff employ multi- layered AI analysis to monitor both surface web and dark web activity. These systems assess lip movement, audio tone, psychological likeness, and visual anomalies. The most cutting-edge approaches now include behavioral biometrics—tracking facial posture, eye motion, voice inflection, and even subtle physiological signals like heart rate and oxygen levels extracted from video.

However, security must not compromise privacy. Uploading sensitive data for analysis introduces its own risks. This is where Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs) come in— enabling secure analysis through techniques like federated learning, secure multi-party computation, and differential privacy. These allow encrypted features to be examined without exposing raw personal data.

Looking ahead, generative AI can become a powerful ally in fighting identity fraud—but only if paired with adaptive, feedback-driven systems that evolve with emerging threats. In a world where fake faces can cause real harm, the future of digital trust depends on innovation, vigilance, and designing security directly into our technological foundations.

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WinnoVation Delivering AI-Powered Success

L-R: Aman Arora (Heizen), Swapnil Tripathi (We360.ai), Sashwata Roy & Sarbarinder Singh from WinnoVation and Dinesh Kumar (SOTI)

Sashwata Roy, V.P- WinnoVation &
Sarbarinder Singh, Founder Director - WinnoVation Education

AI for enhanced customers success

“Founded in 2017, WinnoVation is a value-added distributor specializing in AI solutions with a strong customer-centric approach. The company empowers industries such as BFSI, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and transport to adopt AI for enhanced IT operations, improved customer and employee experiences, optimized infrastructure, stronger cybersecurity, and cost reduction. Backed by an experienced management team and 30 dedicated engineers, WinnoVation provides AI implementation engines, regeneration tools, and 360-degree support, including tailored demonstrations and proof of concept. Its AI-powered lead generation system helps vendors identify blind spots, uncover opportunities, and scale growth. By fostering an ecosystem of vendors, resellers, partners, and end-users, WinnoVation delivers complete solutions while ensuring compliance with data sovereignty laws such as India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP).”

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Aman Arora,
CEO & Co-Founder- Heizen

Accelerating Digital Transformation with AI

“At Heizen, our mission is to transform India’s $240 billion IT export industry with AI-driven, productivity-focused solutions. Moving beyond the outdated billing-by-hours model, we deliver a full-stack platform where AI agents manage project workflows— spanning project management, DevOps, coding, deployment, and testing—alongside AI-native engineers who ensure quality. A robust integration layer guarantees data governance and compliance for enterprises. From healthcare automation to customer support agents, we are shaping the future of software development, where humans and AI collaborate seamlessly.”

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Swapnil Tripathi
Co-founder, We360.ai

Turning Data into Actionable Insights

“Founded in 2020, we redefine productivity by analyzing inputs, not just outcomes. Our analytics identify efficiency gaps, highlight unrecognized contributions, and bring transparency across hybrid and remote work. By uncovering workforce inefficiencies, one client cut hiring needs from 500 to 110, saving millions. We also track digital adoption and help manage attrition risks. Today, we serve 3,000 clients in 19 countries, including Honda, driving measurable improvements in performance and workforce optimization.”

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Dinesh Kumar
Sales Director-India and Saarc, SOTI

AI Enhancing Quick Commerce

“SOTI has evolved from mobile device management (MDM) to a global leader in AI-powered mobility and IoT solutions, managing over 20 billion devices worldwide. Serving industries like pharma, BFSI, and manufacturing, its offerings include SOTI Snap for rapid app creation, SOTI Connect for IoT management, and predictive diagnostics for device performance. With 119 consecutive profitable quarters, 2,000 employees, 4,000 partners, and presence in 180 countries—including 400+ enterprise customers in India—SOTI continues to drive innovation, efficiency, and digital transformation.”

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From Innovation to Execution: Haritasa Leading Mission-Critical Integration

RAJEEV MAGOTRA
SR. VP
HARITASA ELECTRONICS SOLUTIONS (P) LTD.

Haritasa Electronics, a pioneer in low-voltage system integration. We specialize in mission-critical solutions including data systems, fire alarms, public address systems, surveillance, parking management, and government infrastructure projects. Headquartered in Bangalore, we have a nationwide presence with offices in Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Gujarat, Chennai, Cochin, and Pondicherry.

We are India’s largest Bose-certified partner, with multiple awards to our credit, and we proudly serve over 50 active customers—many for more than 25 years. With ISO certifications and a team of 300 professionals, we have successfully executed more than 300 projects across power plants, airports, IT parks, hospitals, defense, and process industries. What sets us apart is our ability to innovate. Beyond global partnerships with Bose, Alcatel- Lucent, and others, we also design indigenous products tailored to client needs. As we expand our footprint and capabilities, we are determined to redefine low-voltage system integration and set new benchmarks.”

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From Infrastructure to Innovation: Intensity Global Leading the Digital Shift

ASHISH KHANNA
CEO
INTENSITY GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LTD.

“Intensity Global is a value-added reseller with over 21 years of experience in the technology industry. While our roots are in North India, we have established a strong presence across the North, West, and South, and are now expanding into the Eastern region.

With more than 25 years of personal experience as a CIO and CISO, I have seen technology evolve rapidly, and our company has grown alongside it. Today, we are proud to be HPE’s largest partner in the country for compute, storage, and networking, and the 5th largest Fortinet partner in North India for perimeter security. We serve over 500 clients nationwide with a customer satisfaction rate exceeding 98%.

Though our foundation is in infrastructure, we now offer comprehensive services in cloud, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and managed services. Our partnerships span leading OEMs, including AWS, Azure, Nutanix, Arista, and NVIDIA. The clients include leading organizations in manufacturing, healthcare, BFSI, IT services, e-commerce, government, and PSUs. With innovation and trust as our pillars, we are committed to enabling growth and digital transformation across industries.”