Smart India Hackathon 2023 Experience
Understanding the basics
As our team was comprised of computer geeks, none of us initially knew how electrical power substations operate or what equipment they contain. From the very beginning, when we were submitting our problem statement solution, we delved into research about substations, their equipment, maintenance procedures, and more. We managed to find documents and resources on these topics, but our understanding was still insufficient when we were selected for the problem statement.
Fortunately, thanks to our team leader's contacts, we got the opportunity to visit the Tata Salsette Power Sub Station in Bhandup. This 220/22 KV substation in Mumbai transmits power to the MMR and nearby regions. The staff at the power station were incredibly friendly and helpful. They explained every concept in a non-technical manner, which helped us build a solid foundation. We were also given a tour of the substation, allowing us to see the equipment firsthand and understand how it operates and interacts within the system.
Journey to the Nodal Center
Our nodal center was CV Raman Global University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The train journey took almost 37 hours, as the train was delayed by 4 hours, covering a whopping distance of 1932 kilometers.
The route was filled with scenic views of ghats, rivers, mountains, and more. As we got closer to our destination, the weather became increasingly colder. We arrived at Bhubaneswar station around 3 AM, and it was freezing, about 10 to 12 degrees Celsius—a stark contrast for someone like me who had never visited North India before. Fortunately, college volunteers were there to pick us up and take us to the college hostel.
One Day Before the Hackathon
We had to wake up early, as breakfast was scheduled before 8 AM. After freshening up and having breakfast, we explored the entire campus. It was enormous compared to the college campuses we're used to seeing in Mumbai. However, we quickly wrapped up our exploration as we still had to work on our bot.
We headed to the library to code, as it was the only common place where both boys and girls could meet since the hostels were separate. In the afternoon, we had lunch, and everyone started feeling drowsy due to the exhaustion from our 33-hour journey. After working on our solution a bit more, all the teams were called for registration and document verification. The day flew by, and before we knew it, it was already night. We had to go to bed early, as the hackathon was starting the next morning, and we had to be up by 6 AM.
Hackathon Days
Day One of SIH
The day of the Hackathon finally arrived. We were all nervous as we still had some parts of the problem statement left to code. After having breakfast, we headed to the hall where all the teams gathered for the orientation. We were briefed on the rules, submission guidelines, and given a timeline sheet that outlined the schedule for the next 36 hours. Then we moved to our allotted labs and respective desks to begin working on our solution.
We picked up from where we left off the previous day. Soon, it was time for the first round of mentoring. The mentors, who were also our evaluators, included the vice principal of the institution and an experienced executive from a software development company. During this round, we presented the progress we had made so far. They gave us a task to implement a new feature and demonstrate it to them. This challenge left us scrambling, as none of us were sure about the approach.
Lunch time arrived, but none of us felt hungry due to the pressure. At 7 PM, we had our first evaluation round with the same panel. Unfortunately, we couldn't achieve the task given during the mentoring round, which was disappointing. However, we managed to show some improvements on our previous work.
After dinner, we were called into the mini auditorium to watch the Prime Minister interact with hackathon participants from different states. Then, we returned to our workspace to code some more. At midnight, it was time for the second mentoring round. Like the previous round, they reviewed our progress and suggested further additions.
Following the mentoring round, there was a Zumba dance session to help us relax. Although it wasn’t mandatory, I went to take a look and get some fresh air, as I'm not particularly fond of dancing. After returning, we were served energy drinks, which helped us stay awake, but not for long. Staying up all night was challenging, as it disrupted our regular sleep schedule.
Thankfully, there were beds arranged in a room for us to rest. However, the beds were fully occupied as many participants were as tired as we were. Our team took turns to sleep and code, wrapping up the first day with me setting an alarm for 4 AM.
Day Two of SIH
After a night of fragmented sleep, our team regrouped at the desk by 6 AM. We had a quick breakfast and immediately continued working on our solution. We were then briefed about the submission guidelines. Time flew by, and it was already lunch time. However, none of us ate, as we were intensely focused on our work. The pressure was mounting because we also had to prepare a business-oriented presentation of our solution, explaining how it would benefit its stakeholders.
We divided the tasks among the team: some worked on the presentation, others on the front-end, and the rest on the back-end. Unfortunately, this turned out to be a mistake. The PowerPoint presentation was just as crucial as the working solution, and we struggled to create a good one at the last minute. As the 4 PM submission deadline approached, we were disappointed that our solution wasn't fully built to the panel's expectations.
At 6 PM, it was our turn to present in the mini auditorium, facing our team and additional panel members. We presented, but our confidence was lacking, and it showed. We had a feeling that we wouldn't win.
By 8 PM, all the teams had completed their presentations. An hour later, the results were announced. We attended the announcement with somber faces, and as expected, we didn't win. Despite the disappointment, we felt a slight relief knowing we had tried our best and learned something new in the process.
Later, we gathered for group photographs and then headed for dinner, reflecting on the experience and the lessons learned.
Tips for SIH Software Edition
If you're planning to participate in the SIH Software Edition in the upcoming years, here are some tips and things to remember:
Team Selection
Forming Your Team: Take the initiative to lead and select members who excel in specific areas. Since a team consists of six people, ensure you have enough members for both frontend and backend development. Ideally, have two members for frontend, three for backend, and one for documentation and non-technical tasks. A member with good business knowledge is also valuable for creating the final presentation.
Choosing the Right Members: Avoid selecting friends who are not proficient in coding or ideating, as this can negatively impact your chances of winning and your friendships. Ensure the team leader is capable and organized, as they will handle the majority of the registration and management with SIH.
Handling the Panel
Expect Rigorous Evaluation: The SIH judging panel is thorough and impartial. They will continuously push you to improve your solution by asking for additional features and modifications. Be prepared for challenging feedback and remember that the panel may not always be familiar with the latest tech stacks you are using.
Respectful Communication: While the panel’s suggestions may sometimes seem outdated, it's crucial to listen respectfully. Avoid explaining the technical internals unless specifically asked, as this might offend them.
Implementing Panel Suggestions
- Take Suggestions Seriously: During mentoring rounds, the panel will suggest additions or changes to your solution. Many teams make the mistake of ignoring these suggestions. Instead, treat them as tests of your capability and give them your best effort.
Managing Distractions
- Prioritize Your Work: There will be various activities organized by the SIH team and your center. While it’s important to enjoy the experience, prioritize completing your solution if it's not up to the panel’s standards. Avoid getting distracted by what other teams are doing and focus on your own work.
Health and Well-being
Sleep and Rest: Ensure you get enough sleep before traveling to your center location, which could be anywhere in India. Rest during your journey to stay fresh and focused.
Eat Healthy: Maintain a healthy diet throughout the hackathon. Avoid eating food served on trains unless necessary, and opt for packaged foods like chips and biscuits, or healthier options like fruits. Good health is crucial for maintaining your energy and focus during the competition.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can improve your chances of success and make the most of your SIH experience. Good luck!
Conclusion
Overall, participating in SIH was a fantastic experience. No matter which state your center is allotted to, take the opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings. SIH provides a unique chance to meet new people and learn about different cultures, foods, and traditions. Traveling by train, using local transport, and trying out local cuisine adds a whole new dimension to the adventure.
Even though we didn't win, we gained valuable knowledge and skills, which are never wasted. Have fun, make memories, and cherish the experience—because that's what life is all about 🙃.