The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras) is gearing up to host the 26th edition of Shaastra, one of the largest student-run tech festivals in India, from January 3-7, 2025. This year's festival promises to be an exciting blend of innovation, technology, and student enthusiasm.
A Celebration of Science and Technology
Shaastra 2025 will feature a lineup of 80 events and 130 stalls, attracting an expected footfall of over 70,000 attendees. The festival is entirely managed by students, showcasing their organizational skills and commitment to creating a platform for learning and innovation.
Innovative Competitions and Workshops
Among the highlights of Shaastra 2025 are the Shaastra Aerial Robotics Challenge, where participants will demonstrate their autonomous drone delivery skills, and the RoboSoccer event, featuring custom-designed robots competing in soccer matches. The Petri-dish Challenge will see participants identifying unknown bacteria through rigorous laboratory experiments.
Summits and Conferences
The festival will also host several conferences and summits, including the IndustriAI Conference and the Future Cities Summit. These events will explore the integration of AI, big data analytics, robotics, and smart manufacturing in revolutionizing industries.
Entertainment and Networking
Shaastra 2025 will feature a Tech-Entertainment Night with performances by hip-hop artist Karan Kanchan and international DJ Camilla Lynx. A Comedy Night with stand-up comedian Gurleen Pannu is also on the agenda, promising laughter and entertainment.
Spotlight Lectures
The festival will host a series of spotlight lectures by eminent personalities such as aerospace scientist Nambi Narayanan, former Permanent Representative of India to the UN Ruchira Kamboj, and mathematician Dr. Sujatha Ramadorai. These lectures will provide valuable insights and inspiration to the attendees.
Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
In line with its commitment to sustainability, Shaastra 2025 will replace all plastic and vinyl banners with reusable cloth-based branding and implement measures to reduce its carbon footprint. This aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and India's mission to achieve net zero by 2070.
Conclusion
Shaastra 2025 is set to be a grand celebration of science, technology, and innovation, bringing together students, industry professionals, and enthusiasts from around the world. It is a testament to IIT Madras's commitment to fostering innovation and providing a platform for young minds to showcase their talents.
