**Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Appointed Brand Ambassador of ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon’**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 5, 2025, 6:41 PM*
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), has been named the brand ambassador for the “Viksit Bharat Buildathon.” This nationwide innovation movement targets students from classes 6 to 12, encouraging the next generation to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills.
**A Massive Student Participation Drive**
The “Viksit Bharat Buildathon” is India’s largest school hackathon, with over one crore students from approximately 1.5 lakh schools expected to participate. The initiative, organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission, motivates students to ideate, design, and develop prototypes focused on four pivotal themes:
– **Aatmanirbhar Bharat** (Self-Reliant India)
– **Swadeshi** (Indigenous Products)
– **Vocal for Local** (Promoting Local Goods)
– **Samriddhi** (Prosperity)
These themes aim to foster innovation that aligns with India’s vision for sustainable growth and self-sufficiency.
**Shubhanshu Shukla’s Inspiring Journey**
At 39 years old, Group Captain Shukla is an Indian Air Force officer and test pilot who recently completed his first space mission with the Axiom-4 crew. He is only the second Indian astronaut to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984.
On Saturday, Shukla met with School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar to discuss the vision and goals of the Buildathon, underscoring the importance of empowering young innovators.
**Key Dates and Participation Details**
– **Launch Date:** September 23, 2025
– **Registration Deadline:** October 6, 2025 (Tomorrow)
– **Live Event:** October 13, 2025
– **Winners Announcement:** December 2025
Students from classes 6 through 12 are encouraged to form teams and participate actively by developing creative solutions and prototypes that tackle real-life challenges connected to the four national themes.
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The “Viksit Bharat Buildathon” represents an exciting platform for youth innovation, inspiring young minds across India to contribute meaningfully towards the nation’s development. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative journey!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/space-traveler-becomes-viksit-bharat-buildathon-brand-ambassador/story
