**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 and is organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission.
### Massive Student Participation Expected
The “Viksit Bharat Buildathon” is set to become the largest school hackathon in India, with over one crore students from around 1.5 lakh schools participating across the country. The initiative inspires young minds to ideate, design, and develop prototypes based on four key themes:
– **Aatmanirbhar Bharat** (Self-reliant India)
– **Swadeshi** (Indigenous)
– **Vocal for Local** (Promoting local products)
– **Samriddhi** (Prosperity)
### A Visionary Discussion
Shubhanshu Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force officer and test pilot who recently completed his maiden space mission aboard the Axiom-4, is only the second Indian to go into space after Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984.
On Saturday, Shukla met with School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar to discuss the vision and objectives of the Buildathon, reinforcing the event’s emphasis on innovation and national development.
### Important Dates and Participation Details
The “Viksit Bharat Buildathon” was officially launched on September 23, with registrations open until October 6. The live event is scheduled for October 13, and winners will be announced in December.
Students from classes 6 to 12 are encouraged to form teams and collaborate creatively to develop innovative ideas and prototypes addressing real-world challenges aligned with the four national themes.
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For more information and to register, students and educators can visit the official Buildathon website before the registration deadline. Join this exciting movement to contribute to a developed and self-reliant India!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/space-traveler-becomes-viksit-bharat-buildathon-brand-ambassador/story