On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the Smart India Hackathon for its role in creating impactful technological solutions for the nation. Speaking via video conference to participants of the 2024 edition, he praised the innovative solutions produced over the past seven years, emphasizing their effectiveness in solving real-world issues.
PM Modi engaged with participants for an hour, motivating them as the next wave of problem-solvers. This marks the 7th year of the Smart India Hackathon, an initiative by the Union Ministry of Education, which enables students to collaborate with industry and government to address pressing challenges creatively.
“Solutions from these hackathons have significantly benefited people across the country,” he said, adding that these innovations have resolved major challenges.
The Prime Minister also underscored the significance of the newly approved One Nation One Subscription scheme. This program, with an allocation of approximately $720 million for 2025, 2026, and 2027, aims to ensure that students and innovators have access to academic journals and research publications nationwide. Approved by the cabinet on November 25, this initiative ensures that no young person in India is deprived of essential information.
In his address, PM Modi referred to the 2020 National Education Policy, emphasizing that it fosters scientific thinking and innovation among students. He stated that the country’s youth and their technological capabilities are being recognized globally. The government is committed to providing the necessary tools and resources to empower this generation.
He further stressed the importance of innovative thinking to tackle modern challenges, encouraging the adoption of creativity in every sector. Regarding the hackathon, he pointed out that the process of problem-solving is as valuable as the final product.
India’s future, he noted, relies on nurturing out-of-the-box thinking among its youth to meet the country’s growing aspirations.
