hackathon

In a significant global recognition for inclusive technology, the MEGHA (Meghalaya E-Governance Human-centred Assistance) project has secured first place at the Kennedy AI for Good Hackathon held at Harvard Kennedy School. The AI-powered, voice-first initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by enabling rural citizens in Meghalaya and beyond to access government schemes through any basic mobile phone. Designed for low-literacy users in remote areas, MEGHA operates via a toll-free number and responds in conversational language, making government schemes more accessible without the need for smartphones or internet connectivity. Built by a team of Indian public leaders and technologists currently at Harvard, MEGHA represents a people-centric approach to responsible AI deployment. The team behind MEGHA includes notable figures such as Manish Maheshwari (former Twitter India Head and Harvard Fellow), Dr. Aarushi Jain (Policy Director at Bharti Institute), Mohammed Y Safirulla K (IAS officer), Manudev Jain (IRS officer), and Ashish Tiwari (IPS officer and Fulbright Scholar). Their collaborative efforts have created a powerful tool for digital inclusion grounded in verified government data. Speaking about MEGHA, Manish Maheshwari said, “The true power of AI lies in thoughtfully connecting proven technologies to urgent human needs. As implementation costs fall, AI’s ability to unlock dignity, opportunity, and inclusion becomes one of the greatest forces for good.” Dr. Aarushi Jain added, “MEGHA is built to break information barriers by offering honest, concise guidance through a voice-first interface grounded in official documents.” MEGHA’s win is a testament to how empathetic innovation and AI can be harnessed to create impactful, inclusive solutions for real-world challenges. Source: India Today