Interview: Protecting Rhinos, Securing Elections, Supporting NEET: Brihaspathi Tech’s Wide-Ranging Role

Hyderabad: Rajasekhar Papolu is the Founder and Managing Director of Brihaspathi Technologies Limited, recognised for smart governance, enterprise security and sustainable energy solutions.

Based in Hyderabad, Brishaspathi Technologies said it is driving the digital transformation and is the first AI-powered election webcasting and surveillance system in India. The company provided video recording for elections in 12 States.

Apart from elections, the company provided solutions for protecting a rhino from poachers in Kaziranga, NEET exams and security cameras at the international borders.

In an interview with NewsMeter, Rajashekar Papolu explains how they are using technology for the best of humanity and how AI is not a threat but a boon if used rightly for human benefit.

Here are some excerpts from the interview.

Deploying 1.5 lakh HD cameras across 12 states

NewsMeter: Brihaspathi Technologies provided video surveillance for the Election Commission of India. How does it work? What has been your experience?

Rajasekhar Papolu: Our video surveillance systems are intelligent, integrated platforms. They go beyond simple recording by incorporating real-time analytics, face recognition, perimeter intrusion, motion detection, etc. and have centralised monitoring capabilities. This allows for a proactive security posture where potential issues can be flagged and addressed as they happen.

Our engagement with the Election Commission of India was a monumental and deeply rewarding experience that perfectly showcases our capabilities. We were entrusted with a critical national duty, deploying over 1,50,000 high-definition cameras across 12 states.

This massive undertaking covered 75,000 of the most critical polling stations and counting centres, ensuring unparalleled transparency in the democratic process.

What our team is exceptionally proud of is the speed and efficiency of this operation.

The entire complex network was made fully operational in a record time of just four weeks. This is indeed a feat of logistical precision and technical expertise. This project didn’t just test our technology; it tested our ability to deliver under immense pressure, and we succeeded, bolstering public trust in one of the world’s largest democratic exercises.

Providing biometric access systems in sensitive areas

NM: The company has provided a biometric access control system in many sensitive areas in large government organisations. In these sensitive zones, what is its importance? Was there any breach felt at any time, and if so, what was the detection time?

Rajasekhar Papolu: In high-security government zones, our biometric access control systems are not just a layer of security; they are the bedrock of a zero-trust environment. Their importance cannot be overstated. They ensure that the only individuals with access to sensitive areas are those who are unequivocally authorised, based on unique biological markers. This eliminates the risks associated with lost, stolen or shared credentials.

To date, we are proud to state that there has been no breach of our biometric systems across any of the sensitive zones where they are deployed. Our systems are designed with multiple layers of redundancy and real-time monitoring. Any anomalous attempt, such as a forced entry or a repeated failed authentication, triggers an immediate automated alert to the security command centre, ensuring a detection and response time of mere seconds.

Screening employees to provide top-notch protection

NM: Since it is a highly sensitive job, most employees need to be vetted before being given the responsibility of keeping the information safe. How does your company deal with these aspects?

Rajasekhar Papolu: At Brihaspathi Technologies, we believe that human integrity is the first and most important layer of security, even before the technology. Character cannot be outsourced. That’s why, for our sensitive projects, every individual undergoes an uncompromising, multi-stage internal vetting process managed directly by our own senior security and leadership teams. We conduct a meticulous verification of all personal and professional credentials and a forensic review of their career history. We believe this hands-on, internal approach gives us a far deeper and more nuanced understanding of a candidate’s character than any external report ever could.

Furthermore, our commitment to confidentiality is embedded in our culture and our employment contract itself. Every employee in a sensitive role is bound by a strict, legally enforceable Code of Integrity. This isn’t just a document they sign on their first day; it is a core, ongoing condition of their employment that mandates absolute discretion and ethical conduct.

This commitment is reinforced through continuous, rigorous training in security protocols and ethical responsibilities—it’s a constant dialogue, not a one-time event. Ultimately, our security is built on a foundation of carefully selected individuals who are cultivated from within to be guardians of our clients’ trust. We believe a secure organisation is a direct reflection of the character of its people.

From a small web development firm to a trusted national partner

NM: How has the growth of your company been from 2006, and can you share some of the best experiences of your journey?

Rajasekhar Papolu: Every company’s journey is a story, and ours is one of evolution deeply intertwined with the story of a modernising India. We began in 2006 as a web development firm, but our identity was forged in the field, solving some of the nation’s most unique and demanding challenges. Our growth can be seen through four key chapters:

Our first was the Chapter of Innovation: In 2012, we faced a unique challenge, such as securing remote sand mines where conventional connectivity was impossible. Our answer was to pioneer the use of advanced radio technology for surveillance. This wasn’t just a project; it was a declaration that no challenge was too remote for us to solve. It established our reputation as innovators who could engineer solutions for the real world.

Second was the Chapter of Purpose: Having proven our technical grit, we were called to apply it with a conscience. In 2019, we were entrusted with protecting a national treasure: the one-horned rhinoceros at Kaziranga National Park. We deployed a sophisticated network of 72 IP thermal and ANPR cameras, creating a digital shield against poachers. This was a landmark moment, proving our technology could serve a higher purpose—harmonising innovation with the conservation of our natural heritage.

From protecting nature, we were then asked to help secure the nation itself in our Chapter of National Duty. This is a responsibility we hold with the utmost gravity. Our work with the Border Security Force (BSF) involved installing 674 cameras along the sensitive international borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. For us, this wasn’t just deploying hardware; it was a service to the nation’s sovereignty, a testament to the trust placed in our ‘Made in India’ technology to guard the front lines.

Finally, that trust has brought us to our current chapter: the Chapter of National Scale. Today, we are helping secure the very future of our nation’s talent. For the National Testing Agency’s NEET exam this year, we deployed a staggering network of over 65,000 cameras across 19 states.

This massive undertaking ensures a fair and transparent process for lakhs of aspiring doctors, safeguarding the integrity of one of India’s most critical examinations.

So, when you look at our journey from a small web development firm to a trusted national partner with over 200+ professionals and 12,000 clients, you see this clear story. We went from solving business problems to protecting rhinos, from securing borders to securing futures. These aren't just projects on a timeline; they are the experiences that define Brihaspathi Technologies today.

AI and its role

NM: What is the road ahead with AI now playing a big role in the industry?

Rajasekhar Papolu: We believe AI is a fundamental technology, not just a feature. The road ahead for Brihaspathi isn’t about simply adding AI to our products; it’s about thoughtfully integrating it into the very fabric of the solutions we provide for India. Our goal is to use AI to augment human capability and create a safer, more efficient society.

- From reactive to proactive security

For years, surveillance has been about recording what happened. The future we are building is one where our systems can intelligently anticipate and prevent incidents before they occur. Our AI-powered video analytics already detects weapons or suspicious behaviour. The next step is predictive security—using AI to analyse patterns and flag potential threats, giving security personnel the crucial advantage of foresight.

- Deep integration across ecosystems

We don’t see our products in isolation. A smart camera, an intelligent traffic system and a command centre are powerful on their own, but their true potential is unlocked when they work together seamlessly. Our road ahead is about creating a deeply integrated ecosystem.

For example, our intelligent traffic management system communicates with our public safety platforms in real-time. This creates a unified, intelligent network that makes entire cities safer and smarter.

- On-device intelligence, Made in India

We are convinced that the most powerful AI is the AI that runs right on the device. In line with our ‘Make in India’ initiative, we are moving towards manufacturing our own hardware with embedded AI. This on-device intelligence is faster, more reliable and more secure. It means a camera doesn’t just capture a video; it understands it right at the source.

Ultimately, we believe that AI is a profoundly important technology that must be developed with a clear purpose. For us, that purpose has always been to design and deliver state-of-the-art solutions that strengthen national safety. That is the road we are on, and we are committed to pursuing it with the passion and responsibility it deserves.

AI without a conscience is dangerous

NM: Where do you see AI as a threat?

Rajasekhar Papolu: We don’t see AI itself as the inherent threat. Technology is a tool, and its impact is determined by the intent and values of the people who create and wield it.

The real threat emerges when AI is developed without a conscience.

We see the danger in two primary areas.

First, there is the risk to privacy when surveillance technologies are used without a clear, ethical purpose. Second, there is the risk of automating bias, where algorithms make critical decisions without the nuance and compassion of human judgment.

At Brihaspathi, we confront these risks by holding ourselves accountable to our mission: to strengthen national safety and contribute to a secure future. We believe the only way to do this is to build technology with our values embedded in the code.

Our systems are not designed to replace human security professionals; they are designed to be a tool to augment human judgment. Our AI can analyse thousands of video feeds to find a potential anomaly, but we believe the final, critical decision must always rest with a well-trained human.

The challenge for our entire industry is to ensure that as we make our technology more intelligent, we do not diminish the importance of our own humanity.

Is India tech-ready for AI?

NM: Is the workforce in India ready for AI in the IT sector, or is there is a lacuna which needs to be addressed?

Rajasekhar Papolu: We believe the talent in India is absolutely ready. I see less of a lacuna and more of a tremendous opportunity. The foundational skills in engineering, data science and software development across the Indian IT sector are incredibly strong and world-class.

The challenge isn’t about a lack of capability; it’s about channelling that talent through continuous upskilling. The next step, which is already happening, is to foster deep, specialized expertise in areas like machine learning, neural networks, and, just as importantly, AI ethics.

At Brihaspathi, we are not passive observers in this, we are active participants. We have a dynamic team of over 200+ professionals, and we are constantly investing in internal training programs to ensure our people are not just keeping pace with AI, but are defining its future applications. We also believe in partnering with academic institutions to help cultivate that next generation of talent.

We don’t just believe India’s workforce is ready; we believe it’s poised to lead.

AI will go with the human choice

NM: Do you think AI will be an opportunity to make things much better? Or do you think machines will become a threat in the future?

Rajasekhar Papolu: I don’t believe it’s a predetermined outcome. I believe it’s a choice.

Whether AI becomes a force for profound good or a source of threat depends entirely on the purpose and the humanity we build into it from the very beginning. A machine will never have a conscience, but the people who build it must.

At Brihaspathi, we have made our choice.

When we use our AI-powered thermal and ANPR cameras to protect the one-horned rhinoceros from poachers in Kaziranga National Park, we are choosing to make things better.

When we deploy over 65,000 cameras to ensure a fair and transparent NEET exam for hundreds of thousands of aspiring doctors, we are choosing to use AI to create opportunity and uphold integrity.

When our Intelligent Traffic Management Systems are used to enhance road safety or our platforms assist in disaster management, we are actively choosing to build a safer world.

Our mission is to ‘strengthen national safety and contribute to a peaceful and secure future.’ That mission is our compass. It dictates that every technology we create must serve people.