Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) students are all set to host the 25th Edition of Shaastra, the largest student-run, annual techno-entertainment festival in India, from 3rd to 7th January 2023. Several events on cutting-edge technologies like cybersecurity, AI, and ML will be held alongside events on robotics and other areas.

In this Silver Jubilee edition, Shaastra will focus on the theme ‘Spokes of Time’, depicting the evolution of technology over time. As the curtain rises on this milestone celebration, participants and spectators can anticipate an unforgettable experience, symbolising a quarter-century of innovation, knowledge, and inspiration.

Addressing a Press Conference on the campus today (3^rdJan 2024), Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said,“Innovation is prime to see a super power Bharat @ 2047.  These technical festivals provide a unique platform for the young innovators to meet, share and compete resulting in a very detailed valuation of their innovations.”

As many as 110 events have been lined up with a footfall of nearly 2,000 per day being expected. There will be a total of 12 eminent speakers for the flagship lecture series of Shaastra including Shri Ram NathKovind, Former President of India, Thiru. PalanivelThiagaRajan, Hon’ble Minister of IT and Digital Services, Government of Tamil Nadu and Dr. Kiran Bedi, IPS, Former Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Sathyanarayana N Gummadi, Dean (Students), IIT Madras, said, “It is my pleasure to invite all the participants, speakers, judges, and other stakeholders to our campus as part of the 25th edition of Shaastra. I am thrilled to witness the vibrant fusion of innovation and enthusiasm at the fest. Boeing's Aeromodelling Competition and the finals of Flipkart GRiD 5.0 Robotics Challenge are some exciting events to look out for! I am sure that this 5-day event will ignite minds, forge connections, develop collaborations and pave the way for innovation and technology.”

Further, Prof. SriramVenkatachalam, Co-Curricular Advisor, IIT Madras, added, “This year, students have conceptualized 34 competitions, offering participants a unique opportunity to tackle practical, real-life problems with original and innovative solutions. These events aim to empower participants with hands-on experiences that extend beyond the classroom. We also take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors for their support.”

Those interested in robotics can witness displays of all kinds, ranging from the Flipkart GRiD 5.0 Robotics Challenge to Robo Wars. More challenges across aeromodelling, programming, design and quizzing have been lined up for those with a competitive streak. The Envisage events will have multiple events across the days, including Reflectorsphera, Groove-a-Graph, Flash Wave, Tron Dance and Tech Ambience projects. Techno-Entertainment Night is the festival's electronic music hub featuring Sunburn Campus and Laser Show India.

Sharing their experiences on working on this massive event, Mr. Nithin S, Student Co-Curricular Affairs Secretary, IIT Madras, said,“As part of an ongoing commitment to societal impact, the Shaastra team has launched ‘Forget-Me-Not’, a social campaign dedicated to raising awareness on dementia. Through a series of impactful initiatives, including awareness events, a college quiz and a case competition, Forget-Me-Not aims to shine a light on the challenges faced by individuals affected by dementia. By fostering understanding and empathy, the campaign seeks to create a more inclusive and supportive community.”

Mr. JoshikSravan, Student Core Team Member, Publicity, Shaastra 2024, IIT Madras, added,“Envisage, the techno-entertainment club of IITM, will be organising student-made light-and-sound-based shows via technical projects. Shaastra will also be hosting Sunburn Campus featuring Project 91, Nina Suerte, and headliner Julia Bliss followed by a performance by Laser Show India.”

Day 1 will witness Dr V. Adimurthy, ISRO Honorary Distinguished Professor and Padma Shri Awardee, along with a captivating session with Mr Punith Nanda Kumar, Paralympic Swimmer.Day 2 will kick off with a Keynote Speech by Shri Ram NathKovind, Hon'ble Former President of India, followed by an engaging Fireside Chat with ThiruPalanivelThiagaRajan, Hon'ble Minister of IT & Digital Services of Tamil Nadu.Day 3 will witness Dr Man Mohan Sharma, Padma Vibhushan Awardee and Ex Director of UDCT. This will be followed by a Fireside Chat with Dr Deepak Dhar, Boltzmann Medal and Padma Bhushan Awardee, and another session with Dr Kiran Bedi, Former Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry. Day 4 will host Dr UllasKaranth, Director of the Centre for Wildlife Studies and RohiniGodbole, Physicist and Padma Shri Awardee, and Mr PalagummiSainath, Indian Columnist and Author. Day 5 will conclude with Dr SanghamitraBandyopadhyay, Computer Scientist and Padma Shri Awardee, and Mr R. G. Chandramogan, Founder of Hatsun Agro.

  

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(Release ID: 1992705)