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New Delhi : PM Narendra Modi interacted with the participants of Grand Finale of the Smart India Hackathon (Software)-2020 via Video Conference on August 1, 2020.
Speaking at the Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon, the PM said that students are working on several solutions to the challenges facing the country. Along with providing solutions to the problems, it also strengthens India’s aspirations regarding Data, Digitisation, and Hi-tech Future. Acknowledging that in the fast paced 21st century, India needs to swiftly change itself to continue playing an effective role, the Prime Minister said that necessary ecosystem is being built in the country for Innovation, Research, Design, Development and Entrepreneurship. He asserted that aim is to make India’s education more modern, and to create opportunities for talent.
New Education Policy : Speaking on the New education policy, PM Modi said it was drafted keeping in mind the thoughts, needs, hopes and aspirations of 21st century youth. This is not just a policy document but also a reflection of aspirations of more than 130 crore Indians, he added. He said, “Even today many children feel that they are judged on the basis of a subject in which they have no interest. Due to the pressure from parents, relatives, friends etc children are forced to pursue the subjects chosen by others.” He highlighted that New Education Policy seeks to change this approach by bringing a systematic reform in India’s education system and attempts to transform both Intent and Content of education. He said that NEP focuses on Learning, Research and Innovation to make the school, college and university experience: Fruitful, Broad-based and one that guides to one’s natural passions, according to a PIB release.
Addressing the students, the Prime Minister said “This Hackathon is not the first problem you have tried to solve, nor is this the last.” He wished the youngsters to continue doing three things: Learning, Questioning and Solving. He said when one learns, one gets the wisdom to question and India’s National Education Policy reflects this spirit.
Access to Education : Quoting Baba Saheb Ambedkar that education should be accessible to all, the PM said that this education policy is also dedicated to his idea of accessible education. National Education Policy is big on access to education, starting from primary education. He said the policy aims to increase Gross Enrolment Ratio in Higher Education to 50 percent by 2035.
Emphasis on Global Integration: The PM said while the Policy focuses on Local, equal emphasis has been laid on global integration. Top Global Institutions have been encouraged to open campuses in India. This will benefit Indian youth in getting world class exposure and opportunities, and help them prepare for global competition as well, according to a PIB release.
Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ inaugurated the Grand Finale of 4th edition of Smart India Hackathon (Software) – 2020 virtually in New Delhi on August 1, 2020. Minister of State for HRD Sanjay Dhotre; Secretary, Higher Education, Amit Khare; Chairman AICTE Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe; Chief Innovation Officer Dr Abhay Jere were present on the occasion.
Pokhriyal ‘said an overwhelming response from more than 4.5 lakh students was received in the first round of this year’s competition. He said that PM Modi envisages a Digital India to bridge the digital divide in our country and further promote digital literacy to make development a comprehensive mass movement and put governance within everyone’s reach in India.
Pokhriyal highlighted that this Hackathon is the World’s biggest open innovation model involving more than 4.5 lakh students, 2,000+ educational institutions, 1,000+ mentors, 1,500+ evaluators, 70+ problem submitting agencies including central ministeries, state govt departments, and private industries thereby having true PPP model.
Pokhriyal said the solution created by participants of SIH will strengthen the Prime minister’s intent “Vocal for Local” to boost economy. He informed that this year we will have more than 10,000 participants competing to solve 243 problem statements from 37 central government departments, 13 state governments and 20 industries.
Secretary , Higher Education, Amit Khare, said that the software edition of Smart India Hackathon 2020 is being conducted through an online platform. Education system is being transformed by adopting online platforms of learning. After the great success of Smart India Hackathon, two prominent International Hackathons i.e. India- Portugal Hackathon and India- ASEAN Hackathon are going to take place, these are true indicators of going from Local to Global.
Chairman AICTE Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe said that NEP will help spread India’s rich ancient knowledge to masses. Inclusion of research in Social Sciences in National Research Foundation of New Education Policy (NEP) is a good sign to have holistic research and innovation culture. Dr Abhay Jere said that it has kickstarted Hackathon culture in the country and now even small cities and civic bodies are organising hackathons to engage with youth and harness out of box ideas to improve their governance.