Tech Saga 2026 Brings Together India's Top CIOs, Defence Leaders and Technology Experts in Pune

The CIO Association Pune Chapter successfully hosted Tech Saga 2026 in Pune, bringing together an exceptional gathering of India's leading technology professionals, industry pioneers, and distinguished veterans of the Indian Armed Forces. The event served as a unique platform to explore the convergence of defence leadership, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and enterprise innovation.

The day commenced with the National Anthem, a tribute to the nation's martyrs and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp in the presence of senior dignitaries, including General Manoj Mukund Naravane, Vice Admiral D. S. P. Varma, Air Marshal P. N. Pradhan, Vice Admiral SV Bhokare, Air Marshal AP Garud, Lt. General MU. Nair, Dr.

Sashikala Gurpur from Symbiosis Law School along with the CIO Association Management Team.
Pune Chapter President Anis Phankhania welcomed the gathering and General Body President Umesh Mehta highlighted the Association's commitment to building stronger collaborations between industry, government and defence while accelerating India's digital transformation journey. The event theme underscored the importance of resilient technology ecosystems inspired by the discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking of the Armed Forces. CIO Association, Pune chapter, also released a Coffee Table Book, as a Commemorative to the Men and

Women of the Indian Armed Forces

One of the highlights of the event was the keynote fireside conversation, featuring General Manoj Mukund Naravane, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, ADC, former Chief of the Army Staff, with Mr. Sajith Chakkingal. Drawing from over four decades of military service, General Naravane shared invaluable insights into leadership under uncertainty, national security, strategic preparedness and the evolving role of technology in modern warfare.
The conference also featured technology sessions led by industry experts representing leading organizations who showcased advancements in AI-powered infrastructure, enterprise networking, cybersecurity, cloud technologies and digital transformation strategies designed to build future-ready organizations.

A major part of the event was the panel discussions. The first panel featured distinguished defence leaders Vice Admiral D. S. P. Varma, Air Marshal P. N. Pradhan, and Lieutenant General M. U. Nair moderated by Mr. Sajith Chakkingal. The discussion explored how lessons from military operations, ranging from strategic planning and crisis management to integrated command structures, can help enterprises strengthen resilience and cybersecurity in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

The afternoon continued with another engaging leadership session, featuring Air Marshal AP Garud and Vice Admiral SV Bhokare moderated by Mr. Sajith Chakkingal. Their experiences highlighted the importance of trust, decision-making under pressure, operational excellence and collaborative leadership across diverse environments.

The later session, moderated by Mr. Sajith Chakkingal featuring Brigadier (Dr.) Sanjeev Devasthali, Brigadier. Udai Jawa, and Colonel Shirish Pandey, threw light on military strategy and leadership values.

Attended by representatives from more than 25 leading technology organizations, the event offered delegates opportunities throughout the day to engage with technology partners, network with CIOs and business leaders from across India, and exchange ideas on innovation, digital resilience, and the future of enterprise technology.
The session closed with a conversation between Padma Shri, Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awardee Dr. Deepa Malik and Mr. Sajith Chakkingal, centred around resilience, leadership, inclusion and overcoming adversity, rather than just her sporting achievements. One of the memorable takeaways from the conversation was the idea that our biggest limitations are often not physical but mental. Her message reinforced that resilience is not about avoiding hardship and it's about choosing how to respond to it and continuing to move forward with purpose.

Tech Saga 2026 concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering collaboration between technology leaders and strategic thinkers from the defence community. The event reinforced that the principles of courage, adaptability, innovation, and leadership remain equally relevant on the battlefield and in today's rapidly evolving digital economy. A formal thank-you note was delivered by Mr. Prasad Pate to close the session. Pune Management Committee members, Mr. Ashok Mandlik, Mr. Yogesh Dadke, and Mr. Vivek Verma, were also among the leading contributors to the event. The event was supported by Brigadier Desai, Wg. Cdr. Yagnaraman, and Dr. Netra in their respective capacities.

Organized by the CIO Association Pune Chapter, Tech Saga 2026 successfully demonstrated how the combined strengths of technology, leadership, and national service can inspire organizations to build resilient, secure, and future-ready enterprises.

Partners supporting the event included Shro Systems, HP Enterprise, Zoho, Proofpoint, ManageEngine, Cloud4C, Google Cloud, Veeam Software, Zoom, Tata Communications, PTC, Softcell, QodeNext, Zebra, Netskope, Constellation Consulting Group, Harjai, Source Code Control India, Surveil, Newland AIDC, SCAIT, ITFMS, ProtechManize, GoTrust, Vanguardtech, UpGuard, Micropoint, RSA, Nvidia, and Magzter.