RAIPUR,CG,BHARAT: Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the 7th Edition of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2024 in a virtual ceremony, emphasizing India's growing role in addressing global challenges through innovation. Speaking to participants across 51 centers nationwide, Pradhan encouraged young innovators to strive for excellence and contribute towards realizing a $3 trillion economy. He described SIH as a model of a knowledge-driven economy, urging participants to dedicate themselves year-round to solving critical challenges faced by governments, industries, and society.

Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State for Education, also highlighted the importance of SIH in advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat). He called the event a celebration of innovation, ideation, and problem-solving, crucial for fostering a culture of nation-building. Other prominent speakers included Prof. T.G. Sitaraman, Chairman of AICTE; Sant Ranjan, AVP & Head of Innovation at Godrej Appliances; and Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Education. They inspired participants to channel their creativity towards impactful and sustainable solutions.

Amity University Chhattisgarh, one of the 51 nodal centers for the SIH 2024 Grand Finale, hosted the event with enthusiasm and grandeur. Chief Guest T. N. Singh, Deputy Director General and State Informatics Officer, National Informatics Centre, Chhattisgarh, inaugurated the local proceedings. Addressing the audience, Singh emphasized the hackathon’s rapid growth since its inception in 2017, from 7,000 participants with 7,500 ideas to an impressive 54,000 submissions this year. He motivated participants to develop innovative solutions for the pressing challenges presented by government and private sector problem statements.

The event saw participation from 31 teams, comprising 186 students (103 males and 83 females) from 13 states across India, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, West Bengal, Rajasthan and other states. The participants, guided by 28 mentors, worked on five significant problem areas: Clean and Green Technology, Smart Education, Disaster Management, Heritage and Culture, and Fitness and Sports. Their innovative solutions were evaluated by 17 esteemed jury members, including experts from academia and industry.

Professor Samir Bajpai, Training and Placement Head at NIT Raipur, motivated the participants with a detailed briefing on the SIH, its structure, and its objectives. He urged students to approach the challenges with creativity and enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and technical expertise.

Vice Chancellor of Amity University Chhattisgarh, Professor Piyush Kant Pandey, delivered an inspiring address, calling on participants to propose impactful ideas that address some of humanity's most pressing problems. He highlighted Amity’s commitment to research and innovation, noting how the Amity Universe—comprising a vast network of universities and schools—has established itself as one of India’s premier educational institutions. "Amity stands as a beacon of quality education and innovation, fostering a culture of academic excellence and societal impact," he said. Professor Pandey urged the participants to enjoy the process and work towards creating solutions that could shape the future.

The Smart India Hackathon, launched in 2017, has evolved into one of the world’s largest open innovation platforms, providing students with opportunities to tackle real-world challenges while contributing to the nation’s development. Amity University Chhattisgarh’s role as a nodal center underscores its leadership in promoting innovation and problem-solving, further enhancing its reputation as a hub for academic and research excellence.