The International Conference on Recent Advances in Geotechnics (EGCON 2021), organized by the Indian Society of Engineering Geology (ISEG) in association with NHPC Limited, marked an important milestone in advancing engineering geology and geotechnical sciences nationally and globally. From 9–11 December 2021, the conference was organized through virtual platform meeting COVID-19 protocol, though the inaugural ceremony came good in hybrid mode, enabling a wide national and international participation.

The conference saw interactive deliberations on recent advances in engineering geology, engineering geophysics, earthquake engineering, remote sensing, and related geotechnical disciplines. On the sidelines, emerging areas namely smart city development, drone-based investigations, and advanced site investigation techniques featured with a promise, underscoring the growing role of technology in modern geoscientific practice.

The conference received an overwhelming response, with more than 125 abstracts submitted for oral and poster presentations. Distinguished keynote speakers, including Dr. Martin Wieland, Dr. Wu Faquan, Dr. M. H. Loke, Dr. Bineshian Hoss, Dr. Thomas Fechner, Dr. Rajinder Bhasin, Dr. Louis N. Y. Wong, and Dr. Praveen K. Malhotra, provided global perspectives on geotechnical challenges and innovative solutions.

The delegates uploaded technical papers on conference website ensuring holistic participation and the portal ensured seamless knowledge dissemination and sharing even during difficult times faced through COVID-19 pandemic.

Spearheaded by the efforts of Shri A. K. Singh, President ISEG (2021) and CMD, NHPC Limited, and coordinated by Shri S. L. Kapil, Secretary ISEG and Convener EGCON 2021, the endeavor symbolized resilience and adaptability in meeting professional goals amidst global uncertainties and challenges posed by the pandemic. The release of the conference proceedings marked a significant contribution towards documenting contemporary advancements in geotechnics and engineering geology.

EGCON 2021 reaffirmed ISEG's role as a premier platform for knowledge dissemination and professional collaboration. Having achieved its goal successfully, the Society demonstrated its commitment towards meeting diverse expectations and further establishing the integral role of engineering geology for a safe, sound and sustainable world.