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HKU AI+ Competition Experience

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From Problem to Pitch in 2 days The 48-hour deadline In just 48 hours, we were expected to build a complete product and pitch it to Intel executives, directors, and the university faculty. On August 24 and 25, I represented my school along with six others at the HKU AI+ Competition in Mumbai. We were selected based on our academic record and interest in STEM. Our teacher told us he was not sure how exactly the competition would work. A live meeting was supposed to happen, but it did not take place. The HKU team uploaded a recording. This video explained the presentation they forwarded. Based on that recording, we thought we could ideate and present in two days. Learning from the professors The competition was a hackathon and business pitch event. Teams had to first choose between two tracks. These tracks were AI+ Biodiversity and Smart City, or AI+ Creative Media and Business Innovation. We went into the event without any specific problems in mind or product ideas prepared. The schedul...
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From a Hunch to a Manuscript: Experiencing the Plaksha ARWC

I recently attended an academic research writing course at Plaksha University in Mohali from June 11 to June 18, 2026. It was my summer break, and I wanted to do something worthwhile with my time. I decided to enroll in the ARWC after hearing about it from my peers and because I missed the deadline for YTS that year. I found the course quite unique. Since I was not familiar with research, I thought it would be a good idea to participate for the opportunities it could bring me and the impact it would have on my resume. The program length was just nine days. Before going, I had heard a lot about Plaksha, especially its reputation for engineering and AI among private universities in India. When I landed at the Chandigarh airport, the first thing I noticed was the weather. It was extremely hot and dry. It looked like the place needed rain, and the sun was beating down on us. In the evening, the winds were violently fast. They tore down the construction boarding, dustbins, and other items. ...
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Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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​50 Minutes of Chaos: The Reality of the Mumbai Commute

Today I start writing this blog post out of frustration, tiredness, and just anger. Not the way I imagined my first blog to be, but I guess we are going to the observations directly. ​I live in Kandivali West and thus have to travel to my school, JNS in Juhu, around 50 minutes every day. I take a rickshaw from my apartment to the metro station and then another one from the other metro station to my school. I used to think I'd get used to it, and it's been 3 months travelling the same way now, but the truth is nobody prepares you for this. ​It was originally calmer when the rains weren't there, but then again, the Mumbai heat and humidity was a pain, and now the infamous rains and traffic. First, you struggle to find an auto-rickshaw. The constant rejections from drivers are absolutely annoying, especially in the rain. Then comes the metro, which is even worse during peak times; there are simply too many people. And then again, the same population competes to get a rickshaw ...
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Welcome to Slow is Fast!

Welcome to Slow is Fast, my personal blog where I talk about my observations, everyday experiences, and the problems that I feel don't get the attention they deserve right now. You can also expect reviews, opinions, and a few hot takes along the way. ​My name is Monil Jain. I am sixteen years old and currently studying in 11th grade (ISC Science) at Jamnabai Narsee School in Mumbai. Outside of academics, I love sports and take an active interest in STEM and AI. In my free time, you'll probably find me travelling, cooking, or tasting new food. ​The name Slow is Fast comes from my love for Formula 1, where I once heard the quote, "Slow is fast and fast is slow." I also chose it because my best thoughts happen when I just slow down, which proves why taking a step back to think matters. ​It's great to have you on board, and thanks for reading.
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Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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