Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates Smart India Hackathon 2024 grand finale

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan virtually inaugurated the Grand Finale of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2024, alongside Union Minister of State for Education Dr. Sukanta Majumdar. Senior officials, including Education Secretary Shri Sanjay Kumar and AICTE leaders, attended the event, which is being conducted simultaneously at 51 centres nationwide.

Addressing the gathering, Dharmendra Pradhan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for envisioning SIH as a platform fostering innovation and creativity amongst students. He emphasised that the youth's energy, talent,



and innovation are instrumental in building a Viksit Bharat (developed India) and positioning the country as a 21st-century knowledge economy and global growth engine.

Dr. Sukanta Majumdar highlighted SIH’s role in transforming challenges into opportunities for young minds. He applauded the growing inclusion of women participants, as every team now includes at least one female member, advancing gender equality and sustainable progress. Dr. Majumdar also lauded the Ministry of Education's efforts to nurture an innovation-driven ecosystem, empowering students to turn ideas into impactful solutions.