I completed an IEEE ComSoc Distinguished Lecture Tour (DLT) to Delhi, India, in mid-March, which the Delhi Chapter coordinated. Overall, I greatly enjoyed the trip. It was a fantastic opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with researchers and students at three different universities. I had engaging discussions on various research topics with the audience, researchers, and students. Additionally, I participated in lab tours, gained insights into ongoing research activities, and explored historical and cultural sites in India, which left a lasting impression on me.
In this DLT, I delivered five talks, scheduled as follows:
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Talk at South Asian University (SAU), New Delhi, hosted by Prof. Bijoy Chand Chatterjee, on 12 March 2024
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Talk two at Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT), Delhi, hosted by Prof. M.P.S. Bhatia, on 13 March 2024
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Talk three at Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), hosted by Prof. Vivek Bohara, on 13 March 2024
All my talks explored advancements in optical switching and networking for next-generation data centers. As data centers require scalable network architectures to support large-scale data processing, my presentations covered various aspects, including the benefits of optical technologies, data center requirements, network architectures, design challenges, algorithms, and future research directions. Through these talks, I also promoted IEEE ComSoc to the audience.
Each talk drew an audience of 20–80 participants, comprising academic staff members and research students, which was highly encouraging. After each session, I had insightful discussions with the audience on optical switching and routing technologies, which provided valuable inspiration. Additionally, the hosts at each university arranged lab tours for further discussions. These tours showcased various experimental systems, including the control and management of optical networks at SAU, quantum key distribution at NSUT, and wideband spectrum optical networking and Li-Fi (light fidelity) at IIIT-Delhi. The lab tours and discussions have inspired me with exciting future research directions.
In addition to my research talks, I was fortunate to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra on Thursday. The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its breathtaking white marble architecture, intricate carvings, and historical significance as a symbol of love and devotion. The beauty and grandeur of this masterpiece left a profound impression on me.
During my visit, India celebrated Holi, a vibrant festival known for its joyous atmosphere, colors, and spirit of togetherness; my lectures were scheduled before Holi. Experiencing the festive energy firsthand was truly fascinating. Prof. Bijoy Chand Chatterjee (SAU) and Prof. Abhijit Mitra(IIITDelhi) graciously drove me to the Taj Mahal, sharing valuable insights into Indian history and culture along the way, which added depth to my experience.
My DLT experience enabled me to engage with researchers and students in Delhi, reinforcing the value of in-person networking. In addition to attending conferences and reading or publishing journal papers, I deeply appreciate the significance of participating in IEEE ComSoc activities. These engagements provide unique opportunities to exchange ideas, build professional relationships, and contribute to advancing our field. I strongly encourage any researcher interested in this program to consider participating. If you aspire to become an IEEE ComSoc Distinguished Lecturer, I highly recommend applying, as it can significantly enhance your research career. Through the collective efforts of all DLs, we can harness our shared knowledge and drive our field toward new frontiers.
