Smart India Hackathon: PM Modi Encourages Youth Innovation and Problem-Solving

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday emphasized the significant technological solutions developed through the Smart India Hackathon editions, stating that they have proven to be highly beneficial for people across the country.

Addressing participants of the Smart India Hackathon 2024 via video conferencing, PM Modi acknowledged the positive impact of these innovations and reiterated their importance in tackling real-world challenges. He interacted with the participants for about an hour, encouraging the next generation of problem-solvers.

7th edition of the Smart India Hackathon

This year marks the 7th edition of the Smart India Hackathon, which aims to empower students to address real-world challenges through innovation. The initiative, a flagship program by the Union Ministry of Education, has become a platform for young innovators to collaborate with government and industry stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions to pressing issues.

“Many of the solutions from all the hackathons that have taken place in the last 7 years are proving to be very useful for the people of the country today,” PM Modi stated. “These hackathons have solved many big problems,” he asserted.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the recently approved One Nation One Subscription scheme, describing it as a unique initiative that would support young innovators. Under this scheme, the government is making subscriptions to reputed journals available to ensure that no youth in India remains deprived of important information. Approved by the cabinet on November 25, the initiative aims to provide country-wide access to scholarly research articles and journal publications, with a total allocation of about Rs. 6,000 crore for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027.

Additionally, PM Modi referred to the 2020 National Education Policy, emphasizing its role in nurturing a scientific mindset among students. “Today, the world is saying that India’s strength is our youth power, our innovative youth, our tech power,” he remarked, adding that his government is committed to providing this generation with every resource and tool at the right time.

“We are working on different layers for different age groups, ensuring everyone gets a chance to understand and learn,” he stated. “Today, India’s aspirations demand out-of-the-box thinking to tackle every challenge. We must adopt an innovative approach in every sector, making it a habit. Notably, regarding this hackathon, the process is as important as its product,” PM Modi concluded.