S. Vishnu Sharma
IIT Madras is the cynosure of all eyes as it is hosting the 25th edition of Shaastra from 3 to 7 January 2024.
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, say sources from IIT Madras.
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, say sources from IIT Madras.
Director of IIT Madras
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, speaking at a press meet on 3 January 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, said IIT Madras director.
Events
As many as 110 events have been lined up with a footfall of nearly 2,000 per day being expected, say sources from IIT Madras.
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There will be a total of 12 eminent speakers for the flagship lecture series of Shaastra including Ram Nath Kovind, Former President of India, Thiru. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Hon’ble Minister of IT and Digital Services, Government of Tamil Nadu and Dr. Kiran Bedi, IPS, Former Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry.
Vibrant Fusion
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, said Prof Sathyanarayana of IIT Madras.
I am sure that this 5-day event will ignite minds, forge connections, develop collaborations and pave the way for innovation and technology, he said.
Competitions
Prof. Sriram Venkatachalam, 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, he said.
Robotics
Those interested in robotics can witness displays of all kinds, ranging from the Flipkart GRiD 5.0 Robotics Challenge to Robo Wars, say sources from IIT Madras.
More challenges across aeromodelling, programming, design and quizzing have been lined up for those with a competitive streak, say sources from IIT Madras.
The Envisage events will have multiple events across the days, including Reflectorsphera, Groove-a-Graph, Flash Wave, Tron Dance and Tech Ambience projects, say sources from IIT Madras.
Working
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, said Nithin S of IIT Madras.
Techno-Entertainment Night is the festival’s electronic music hub featuring Sunburn Campus and Laser Show India.
Major events
⮚ Ethical Tech Summit – It is a 3-day International conference that serves as a platform for students, amateurs, enthusiasts, and professionals from all over the country to unite, ideate, network, and deliberate upon the future of the developments in technology and its humanitarian guidelines.
The Ethical Tech Summit will host an eminent set of dignitaries from all around the world.
⮚ Encryptcon 2024 – It is a two-day international research conference on cybersecurity, is slated to commence on January 6th and is proudly hosted by Shaastra 2024 at the campus.
The inaugural session of this eminent conference will be graced by Prof. V. Kamakoti, a renowned luminary in the realm of cybersecurity, say sources from IIT Madras.
⮚ Lecture Series – This year’s lineup of the flagship lecture series includes eminent personalities like Ram Nath Kovind (Former President of India), Thiru Palanivel Thiaga Rajan (Minister of IT & Digital Services, Tamil Nadu), Dr. Kiran Bedi (Former Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry) and many other renowned personalities.
⮚ Techno Night at Shaastra – the festival’s electronic music hub presents Sunburn Campus featuring Project 91, Nina Suerte, and headliner Julia Bliss.
Techno Night at Shaastra is not just a concert; it’s a dynamic convergence of technology and entertainment, creating an electric atmosphere that defines the festival’s unique identity.
Shaastra’s lineup will also include a laser show by Laser Show India, promising a visually stunning and unforgettable experience, say sources from IIT Madras.
Day 4 will host Dr Ullas Karanth, Director of the Centre for Wildlife Studies and Rohini Godbole, Physicist and Padma Shri Awardee, and Mr Palagummi Sainath, Indian Columnist and Author.
Day 5 will conclude with Dr Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay, Computer Scientist and Padma Shri Awardee, and Mr R. G. Chandramogan, Founder of Hatsun Agro.