Smart India Hackathon: PM Modi Emphasizes Creative Thinking for National and Global Advancement
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New Delhi, Dec 11 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with young innovators at the Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon 2024 on Wednesday via video conferencing.
In his speech, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his concept of 'Sabka Prayas', a theme he has consistently highlighted in his Red Fort speeches. He emphasized that India’s advancement can be accelerated through collective efforts, and today’s gathering is a testament to this.
"I have been eagerly waiting for the Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon," the Prime Minister stated, explaining that being among young innovators provides him an opportunity to learn and acquire new insights. He expressed high hopes from the participants, recognizing that they present a fresh perspective on India’s future, leading to unique and innovative solutions.
Reflecting on his previous participation in hackathons, the Prime Minister noted that he had never been let down by the outcomes.
"You have only strengthened my conviction," he remarked, noting that solutions from earlier editions are already being implemented across various ministries.
The Prime Minister showed enthusiasm to learn more about the participants' contributions as the interaction commenced.
PM Modi connected with Sayeeda from the 'Big Brains Team' at NIT Srinagar, who developed a tool called 'Virtual Reality Friend' designed for children with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities.
The AI-powered virtual reality solution aids children in enhancing their skills by simulating social interactions on smartphones and laptops, teaching them how to engage with others and differentiate right from wrong.
Sayeeda explained that the tool would assist children in daily activities like language learning and socializing. The team, which comprises members from diverse backgrounds, including one from Yemen, collaborated with autism centers and drew from personal experiences to create the tool.
PM Modi commended the team for their innovative solution, highlighting that such tools, while developed locally, could have a global effect. He congratulated them for recognizing the needs of Divyang children and stressed that every child should have the right to grow and thrive, with none left behind.
The PM declared that the future world would be driven by knowledge and innovation, with youth being India's hope and aspiration in these transformative times. He asserted that the perspective, thinking, and energy of India's youth are distinctive, and their shared goal is to make India the most innovative, progressive, and prosperous nation.
The Prime Minister underscored that the world acknowledges India’s strength as its youth and technological power, which was clearly evident at the Smart India Hackathon.
PM Modi expressed pride that the Smart India Hackathon has evolved into an outstanding platform for Indian youth to excel on a global scale. Since its launch, nearly 14 lakh students have participated, forming 2 lakh teams and tackling around 3,000 problems.
More than 6,400 institutions were involved, and numerous new startups have emerged from the hackathon. He observed the substantial growth in ideas submitted, from 7,000 in 2017 to over 57,000 this year, showcasing the youth's dedication to addressing India’s challenges.
The Prime Minister praised the Smart India Hackathon, emphasizing that the future will be driven by knowledge, innovation, and youth.
He pointed out how solutions from previous hackathons are now aiding in solving real-world issues, such as a cyclone measurement tool integrated with ISRO technology and a real-time blood management system that assists disaster response. He stressed that the hackathon cultivates a sense of ownership among youth in tackling the nation's challenges.
PM Modi also highlighted the significance of out-of-the-box thinking in achieving India’s aspirations, stating that such initiatives reflect India's new governance model of 'Sabka Prayas'.
He expressed confidence that India is on the right path to becoming a developed nation, with the government supporting youth innovation through initiatives like the National Education Policy, Atal Tinkering Labs, and Startup India.
The Prime Minister discussed emerging sectors such as digital content and gaming, emphasizing their potential to create new career opportunities. He announced the 'One Nation-One Subscription' scheme to provide access to international journals for Indian researchers and innovators, further empowering youth.
PM Modi also revealed plans for the 'Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue' in January 2025, inviting youth to engage in nation-building.
Encouraging hackathon participants, PM Modi urged them to concentrate on addressing both national and global challenges. He expressed his faith in the capabilities of India’s innovators and wished them success in their pursuits.
