Shaastra means science. The word has a deeper connotation here, being the annual technical festival of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. It has now become an integral part of the institute's culture, exhibiting engineering grandeur in an intellectual carnival of people with visionaries, academia and industrialists. Shaastra provides its sponsors and partners with a unique opportunity for publicity and branding in a vibrant intellectually stimulating atmosphere.Shaastra has the distinction of being the first student-organized event in the world to be ISO 9001:2008 certified, for its impeccable planning, innovation and execution. The competitions at Shaastra boast of having the highest number of outstation participants from India as well as abroad, for any festival of its kind. Over the years, Shaastra has received accolades and appreciation from the industry, academia and media alike.As always, Shaastra aims to grow and evolve into a technical festival which involves everyone – be it budding engineers, young entrepreneurs, future policy "Igniting Imagination" and thereby to promote innovation and creative thinking. As part of this agenda, Shaastra aims at making a huge difference to both technology and society by translating ideas into real world solutions. Shaastra will also showcase cutting-edge technologies through channels like the Industrial Open House and the Research Expo to inspire student community to embrace innovative thought.