Port Blair, Aug 10: Blackboard co-founder, Mousumi Kar mentored virtual reality solutions for Andaman and Nicobar Tourism at the recently concluded Smart India Hackathon organized by Government of India.
Smart India Hackathon 2020 was the world’s largest open innovation model for developing innovative solutions for some of India’s most pressing problems. One such problem statement was to develop virtual reality solutions for the benefit of Andaman and Nicobar Tourism.
Mousumi Kar, co-founder of Blackboard speaking to Andaman Sheekha from Kolkata said: “I am feeling very proud and privileged to have been associated with Government of India’s Smart India Hackathon 2020. I was delighted to be the mentor for finding virtual reality solutions for the tourism of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It reminded of my working days in Andaman and Nicobar Islands post-Tsunami when I worked as a humanitarian professional in the islands for more than 4 years.”
Mousumi said that due to geographical restrictions, it is not possible to witness the real beauty of the archipelago. The virtual reality app will overcome this problem and provide a seamless viewing experience of some of the most beautiful places in the islands right from a smartphone or laptop.
Ms. Kar said: “The virtual reality app will be useful not just for domestic but also for international tourists who would otherwise not be able to visit the islands for various reasons. This VR app will help people to explore the history, culture and heritage of Andamans in a post-pandemic scenario. It will eventually motivate users of the app to physically visit the islands thereby helping in boosting and regaining tourism economy of the archipelago. This initiative by Govt. of India will enhance the tourism of the islands and boost livelihoods of the people associated with the sector. I am eager to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands and would definitely meet the LG and share my experience if he invites me.”
She added: “Through the Hackathon, I got a chance to interact with some of the leading scientists and researchers of our country and senior government officials from various ministries. It was enlightening to interact and learn from brilliant young minds who are developing innovative solutions for the betterment of India. Thanks to the organising team from Techno India Group who were the nodal centre for this event.”