The School of Computer Science and Engineering at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), under the High End Computing AI and Deep Learning Lab (RP-126), successfully organized a comprehensive five-day workshop titled “Foundational AI: Large Language Models and Generative AI.” The program was conducted from February 19 to February 23, 2026, with the objective of equipping students, researchers, and faculty members with cutting-edge knowledge in modern artificial intelligence technologies.
The five-day workshop was formally inaugurated in the presence of faculty members, research scholars, and enthusiastic participants. The primary objective of the program was to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical implementation of emerging AI technologies such as transformer architectures, Large Language Models (LLMs), Generative AI, deepfake detection, and Agentic AI systems. The initiative focused on building strong foundational knowledge in modern AI paradigms, providing hands-on exposure to LLM workflows and prompt engineering, familiarizing participants with real-world AI applications, and encouraging research and innovation in AI and deep learning.
The workshop featured a series of expert lectures delivered by eminent academicians and industry professionals. Dr. Puneet Goyal, Associate Professor, IIT Ropar, delivered an insightful session on image detection techniques with special focus on deepfake detection, highlighting current challenges and defense mechanisms. Dr. Gyanendro Loitongbam, Assistant Professor, IIT Ropar, presented a comprehensive lecture on the evolution from traditional Machine Learning to Large Language Models, explaining the transition toward transformer-based intelligence. Mr. Devashish Kumar, Director, CodroidHub Pvt. Ltd., delivered expert talks on Agentic AI, discussing autonomous AI systems and their future potential. Mr. Murari Ramukha, AI Technology Strategist at Microsoft, conducted an industry-oriented session on Large Language Models and their real-world deployment scenarios. Prof. Anand Nayyar from Duy Tan University, Vietnam, and Mr. Tanmoy Chakraborty, Associate Professor, IIT Delhi, further enriched the program with advanced discussions on Agentic AI architectures and applications. The valedictory technical session was delivered by Prof. Mettu Srinivas, Assistant Professor, NIT Warangal, who highlighted emerging trends and research directions in Generative AI.
The workshop effectively combined theory with practical exposure. Major areas covered during the program included fundamentals of foundational AI, transformer architecture and attention mechanisms, training and fine-tuning of Large Language Models, prompt engineering and optimization, deepfake detection techniques, Agentic AI frameworks, and Generative AI tools and applications. Participants particularly appreciated the hands-on demonstrations and real-world case studies, which enhanced their conceptual clarity and practical understanding.
The workshop was efficiently coordinated by Dr. Baijnath Kaushik, whose dedicated efforts ensured the smooth execution of all technical and logistical arrangements. The organizing team expressed special gratitude to the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Pragati Kumar, for his continuous encouragement and institutional support that made the workshop a grand success. The program concluded with a formal vote of thanks acknowledging the contributions of speakers, organizers, and participants.
