The I²IT ACM Student Chapter, under the ACM Eminent Speaker Program (ESP), successfully organized a captivating and insightful guest lecture titled “Fun with Algorithms” on March 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Convention Centre (CC), I²IT. The session was conducted by Dr. Sachin P. Lodha, Chief Scientist at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Innovation Labs, Tata Research Development and Design Centre, Pune.
Dr. Lodha is a distinguished researcher and innovator in the field of Cybersecurity and Privacy, currently leading cutting-edge research initiatives focused on trustworthy AI, de-risking cloud, quantum resilience, privacy by design, and human aspects of cybersecurity. A strong proponent of responsible innovation, Dr. Lodha holds a B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Bombay and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Rutgers University, USA. He was also the first recipient of the TCS Distinguished Scientist Award.
In addition to his technical expertise, Dr. Lodha is actively engaged in national policy and community initiatives. He has served as a member of the Cyber4AI Task Force, contributed to guidelines on “Anonymization of Data” under MeitY’s e-Governance project, and is involved with professional bodies such as ACM India Council and COMSNETS Association.
titled “Fun with Algorithms” offered a refreshing and intellectually rich exploration of algorithms— from their ancient origins to modern-day applications. Dr. Lodha began by explaining the fundamental concept of an algorithm, tracing its roots to historical figures like Euclid and al-Khwarizmi, and highlighting how the domain has evolved significantly with the advent of computing.
Dr. Lodha’s talk covered the following topics:
- Historical evolution and importance of algorithms.
- Classifications and types of algorithms.
- Real-world scenarios where algorithmic strategies are employed.
- A series of intriguing and seemingly simple puzzles that reveal deep algorithmic ideas.
- A brief overview of ongoing research trends in algorithm design and their future potential.
The interactive nature of the session made it not just informative but also highly enjoyable. Dr. Lodha’s storytelling approach and real-life analogies sparked interest among students, making complex topics easily digestible. He emphasized how every technological breakthrough brings new challenges for algorithm designers making the field ever evolving and full of opportunities.
The guest lecture by Dr. Sachin P. Lodha was a remarkable and intellectually stimulating experience for all attendees. His depth of knowledge, engaging delivery, and passion for the subject created a lasting impact. Students walked away with not only a deeper understanding of algorithmic thinking but also an appreciation for the elegance and practicality of algorithms in everyday technology.
The event successfully met the following outcomes:
- Fostered analytical thinking and creative problem-solving skills among students.
- Encouraged students to explore research and innovation in algorithm design.
- Offered practical insights into how foundational concepts apply in cutting-edge industry projects.
To reinforce the concepts discussed, an interactive quiz was conducted immediately after the session. Students participated enthusiastically, and the top performers were recognized with exciting prizes, adding a layer of fun and motivation.
The positive feedback received from students highlighted the effectiveness of the session and the value it added to their academic and professional development. The I²IT ACM Student Chapter is commended for its efforts in organizing such a high-caliber event, thereby fostering a culture of learning, innovation, and excellence among students.
