Serving as the Brand Ambassador for Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a test pilot in the Indian Air Force and Astronaut with ISRO, has urged students across India to come forward and participate in the innovation challenge. In his message, he emphasised that every idea—no matter how small or simple—can make a meaningful contribution to the nation’s progress and help India achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. His call aims to inspire young minds to use creativity and technology to design practical solutions for real-world problems.
I find this message significant because it reflects how innovation and education are coming together to shape India’s future. When leaders like Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla encourage students to think beyond textbooks, it sends a strong signal that the youth are not just learners—they are change-makers. The Buildathon is a golden opportunity for students to bring their ideas to life, develop problem-solving skills, and play an active role in nation-building. At a time when innovation is driving growth, initiatives like this help nurture confidence and curiosity in the next generation.
Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025: Empowering Young Innovators
The Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 is a national initiative designed to promote creativity, innovation, and teamwork among students. The competition encourages participants to come up with solutions to pressing social, environmental, and technological challenges. Organised under the Ministry of Education, the programme aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes experiential and skill-based learning.
As the Brand Ambassador, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla plays a key role in motivating students to explore new ideas and take pride in contributing to India’s development story. He shared that innovation is not limited to science and technology students alone—it’s open to every learner willing to think differently and act courageously.
“Every Idea Counts,” Says Shukla
In his message to students, Shubhanshu Shukla said, “Every student’s idea, no matter how small, holds immense potential. You never know which spark might turn into a flame of innovation that drives India forward.”
He highlighted that creativity is not confined to laboratories or classrooms—it can emerge anywhere, from villages to cities, and from schools to startups. His words resonated with the theme of the Buildathon, which focuses on developing practical, community-based, and scalable solutions.
Key Focus Areas of the Buildathon
The Buildathon 2025 covers a wide range of problem statements that invite solutions under themes like:
- Smart Education: Tools for digital and inclusive learning
- Environment and Sustainability: Waste reduction and renewable energy ideas
- Health and Nutrition: Affordable and accessible healthcare models
- Rural Development: Improving rural infrastructure and livelihood through innovation
- Technology and Accessibility: Using AI and IoT to create smarter, inclusive systems
Each participant or team will have the opportunity to present their prototypes and ideas before a panel of mentors and experts. The top innovations will receive recognition, mentorship, and potential incubation support.
Collaboration Between Schools, Teachers, and Students
Group Captain Shukla emphasised that teachers play a crucial role in guiding students during such competitions. “Teachers are the first mentors in any innovation journey,” he said, urging educators to motivate students to participate.
The Ministry of Education has also encouraged schools and colleges to register for the event and integrate it into classroom learning. Through this collaboration, students get real exposure to research, teamwork, and entrepreneurship.
A Platform for Future Builders
The Buildathon is more than just a competition—it’s a movement to promote self-reliance, design thinking, and problem-solving skills. By encouraging students from all parts of India, including rural and government schools, the event aims to democratise innovation and ensure equal access to opportunity.
According to organisers, the Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 will also serve as a pipeline for identifying young talent who can be nurtured through further innovation programmes and incubation support.
Why This Initiative Matters
India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 depends not only on economic growth but also on how creatively its youth can think and act. The Buildathon offers a platform for exactly that—turning ideas into tangible solutions. It represents a bridge between imagination and implementation, giving students the chance to work on projects that can directly impact their communities.
For many, it’s also an opportunity to interact with mentors, industry experts, and peers who share a passion for creating change. It fosters leadership, innovation, and collaboration—qualities essential for tomorrow’s workforce.
