The largest student-run, annual techno-entertainment festival in India, as many as 110 events have been lined up this year for the Fest, which is being held from 3-7 Jan 2024

CHENNAI, January 2024: 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^rd Jan 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 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.

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. 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.”

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. Joshik Sravan, 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.”

Some of the major events being held as part of Shaastra 2024 include

⮚     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.

⮚     Lecture Series - This year’s lineup of the flagship lecture series includes eminent personalities like Shri 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.

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 Nath Kovind, Hon'ble Former President of India, followed by an engaging Fireside Chat with Thiru Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, 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 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.

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