PM Narendra Modi will address 10,000 programmers through video-conferencing.
Giving another push to his Digital India initiative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed what is being dubbed as the world's largest hackathon today via video conferencing. 10,000 programmers competed in the 36-hour event finale which is being held at 26 locations in the country. The program focused on solving problems of social importance. 29 ministries and government departments have identified 598 problems, the initial response for which came from over 7,500 teams of approximately 42,000 students. The Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon will start at 8 am on April 1 and will go in till 8 pm on April 2.
Here are the live updates of the Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon:
PM Modi addressing hackathon![](http://drop.ndtv.com/liveblog/prod/1675968/636266812714890590..jpg)
Hackathon is a unique experiment in itself.
India is a country of youths. The youth of this country is full of energy, which will bear fruits. It will benefit the nation.
To show its innovation, creativity.. I am proud of everyone participating in this project. It is commendable. You have been working for 15 hours, but you are not tired.
There is a need to use technology more and innovate more. We live in a tech-driven era.
The youth of this country have to address a lot of issues. They are challenging. But that is also an opportunity.
Government cannot solve all problems. People's participation is important.
The true essence of democracy is 'Jan Bhagidari'. Through this, we will solve all our problems.
PM Modi will address the Smart India Hackathon Grand Finale shortly.
Innovation is the only way for sustainable development: Prakash Javadekar
Student community gathered at Welingkar Institute as HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar takes the stage to address them.
![](http://drop.ndtv.com/liveblog/prod/1675968/636266335273080681..jpg)
"Several young minds from all over India will take part in the hackathon. It will be a great exchange of thoughts and ideas on many issues," PM Modi tweeted yesterday.
The Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon began at 8am today in which 1,266 teams of 10,000 participants from 28 states have been shortlisted to participate.