PM’s address at an interaction with participants of Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon 2023
Speaker: Narendra Modi
Date: 19 Dec, 2023

Friends, I really enjoyed talking to all of you. I am pleased that the young generation of the country is working day and night to provide solutions to the current challenges facing the country. The solutions derived from the past hackathons have been very effective. Many students who participated in hackathons have also started their own start-ups. These start-ups and solutions are helping both the government and society. The teams participating in this hackathon today are a great inspiration for thousands of students. Friends, Bharat of the 21st century is advancing with the mantra of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, and Jai Anusandhan.’ Every Indian has stepped out of this mindset that nothing can happen and the country can’t change. Due to this new approach, Bharat has transformed from the 10th largest economy to the 5th largest in the last 10 years. Today, Bharat’s UPI is making waves worldwide. During the crisis of the Corona pandemic, Bharat developed the Made in India vaccines. Bharat not only provided free vaccinations to its citizens but also provided vaccines to dozens of countries worldwide. Friends, Today, we have young innovators and professionals from different domains here. You all understand the importance of time and what it means to reach goals within a set timeframe. Today, we are at a turning point where every effort of ours will strengthen the foundation of Bharat for the next thousand years. You should realise the importance of this unique time. It is unique because several factors are coming together. Today, Bharat is one of the youngest countries in the world. Today, Bharat has the largest talent pool globally. Today, Bharat has a stable and strong government. Today, Bharat’s economy is growing at a record pace. Today, unprecedented emphasis is being placed on science and technology in Bharat. Friends, This is the time when technology has become a significant part of our lives. The impact of technology in our lives today is unparalleled which was never in the past. The situation is such that an upgraded version comes along before we are comfortable with one technology. Therefore, the role of young innovators like you is crucial. Friends, The ‘Amrit Kaal’ of freedom, i.e., the upcoming 25 years, signifies not only the journey of the country towards 2047 but also the crucial years of your life. Both journeys, side by side, are unfolding. We all need to work together to make a ‘Viksit Bharat’. And your biggest goal should be Bharat’s self-reliance. How can our Bharat become self-reliant? Your goal should be that Bharat does not have to import any technology and not depend on others for any technology. Let me give you an example of the defence sector. Currently, Bharat is working towards self-reliance in defence technology. However, there are still many aspects of defence technology that we need to import. Similarly, we need to become self-reliant in semiconductor and chip technology to increase our manufacturing capacity. Bharat has high aspirations in sectors like quantum technology and hydrogen energy. The government is focusing on all these sectors, creating a modern ecosystem for the 21st century. But its success depends on the success of young minds like you. Friends, Today, the eyes of the whole world are on young minds like you. The world believes that Bharat will provide low-cost, quality, sustainable, and scalable solutions to global challenges. Our Chandrayaan mission has greatly increased the world’s expectations. Keeping these expectations in mind, you need to innovate new technologies in different sectors. Keeping in mind the modern needs of the country, you have to chart your course. Friends, The goal of the Smart India Hackathon is to address the country’s problems and create employment through solutions. The hackathon is driving a chain of solutions. The youth of the country are extracting the nectar of solutions for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ from the Smart India Hackathon. I have unwavering faith in all of you, in the youth of the country. Whenever you try to find a solution to any problem and innovate, you should always keep in mind the resolution of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. Whatever you do, it should be the best. You need to work in such a way that the world follows you. Once again, best wishes to all of you! Thank you very much!