Recipient of the Er. Avinash Shirode Yashokirti Award 2026 (Link)

I am deeply honored to be the recipient of the Er. Avinash Shirode Yashokirti Award 2026, presented by the IISc Alumni Association at the Faculty Hall, Bangalore. This recognition is a significant milestone in my career, reflecting over two decades of dedication to the fields of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and civil engineering research.

My journey has always been driven by a fascination with how smart materials can transform our built environment. From my doctoral research at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to my foundational years at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), I have focused on the practical application of piezoceramic (PZT) sensors and non-destructive testing (NDT) to ensure the safety and longevity of critical infrastructure.

Bridging the Gap: The Virtual AISIA Initiative

Beyond academic research, my current focus is on the Virtual AISIA Lab, a digital ecosystem I founded to bridge the gap between complex laboratory theories and real-world field applications. I believe that high-quality engineering tools should be accessible to everyone. To that end, I am committed to frugal innovation—developing free, mobile-based diagnostic utilities that replace expensive hardware.

Whether it is through the development of Magnetic Mappers for rebar detection, Inclinometers for tilt monitoring, or Vibration Sensing systems, my goal is to empower site engineers and students alike with the tools they need to succeed.

A Commitment to the Future

This award is not just a reflection of past achievements, but a catalyst for future work. I remain dedicated to:

• Democratizing Technology: Ensuring engineering colleges and researchers have access to free, sophisticated sensing software.

• Enhancing Site Safety: Developing automated tools that protect workers and improve industrial standards.

• Global Collaboration: Partnering with international experts to integrate robotics and smart materials into the next generation of civil infrastructure.

I am grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and family who have supported this journey, and I look forward to continuing this "social cause" of engineering for the benefit of the global community.