India’s Youth to Drive Innovation: PM Modi at Smart India Hackathon

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] December 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the government’s commitment to removing obstacles for India’s youth, stating that reforms are being introduced to empower their journey towards innovation and problem-solving.  

Centre Reforms to Empower Youth

Speaking at the grand finale of the seventh edition of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH), he said, “India's strength is its innovative youth and technology power. We have introduced a new National Education Policy to nurture a scientific mindset. The government is removing roadblocks in the path of the country's youth by introducing reforms.”

Fostering Ownership for National Challenges

PM Modi underscored the evolving mindset among India’s youth, emphasizing their growing sense of responsibility for addressing national challenges. “The future of the world will be driven by innovation and knowledge, and India's youth today is developing a feeling of ownership towards finding solutions for the country's challenges,” he added. His remarks reflected optimism about the youth’s ability to steer the nation towards progress through innovation.

Smart India Hackathon: A Platform for Creativity

The SIH, now in its seventh year, began on Wednesday at 51 nodal centres across India. This year’s Software Edition will span 36 hours of continuous problem-solving, while the Hardware Edition will extend from December 11 to 15. Participants are tackling problem statements issued by government departments, industries, and private sectors or presenting ideas under the Student Innovation category. The event is a showcase of youthful ingenuity, focusing on 17 national priority themes, including healthcare, sustainability, education, smart technologies, and disaster management.

Future Driven by Knowledge and Innovation

Interacting with students, PM Modi stressed the critical role of knowledge and innovation in shaping the future. “It was great talking to all of you and seeing the diverse group that reflects the vision of 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat.' Students from North, South, East, and West are experiencing the vastness and diversity of our country,” he remarked. He lauded the participants for their unique perspectives and energy, which he believes will propel India to become a global leader in innovation.

Youth as the Beacon of Hope

Concluding his address, PM Modi reiterated the importance of youth power in driving India’s development. “Your unique perspectives, thinking, and energy aim to make India the most innovative, progressive, and prosperous country. Today, the world recognises India’s strength in its youth power, and this is clearly visible in all of you through the Smart India Hackathon,” he said, instilling confidence and hope in the nation’s next generation of innovators.

 By Manasa Permulla