With Great Power, Great Responsibility: Judging And Mentorship In Tech

Forbes - Apr 11th, 2025
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Balvinder Singh Banjardar, director of software engineering at Walmart Global Tech, highlights the dual benefits of participating as a judge in hackathons and similar tech events. Banjardar emphasizes how these events not only provide a platform for emerging developers to showcase AI-driven solutions, but also offer seasoned professionals like himself the opportunity to learn from fresh perspectives. His experience ranges from being a participant and winner in internal company hackathons to judging external competitions, where he mentors young developers and gains insights into the latest technological advancements.

Banjardar explains that his involvement in these events enhances his understanding of scalable system design, ethical AI, and the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and machine learning. He stresses that mentorship and judging are mutually beneficial, as they help bridge the gap between academia and industry, promoting growth for both new and experienced tech professionals. By engaging in these activities, Banjardar not only sharpens his professional skills but also contributes to the broader tech ecosystem, reinforcing the industry's core values of responsibility, excellence, and innovation.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article effectively presents Balvinder Singh Banjardar's insights and experiences, offering a clear and engaging narrative on the benefits of mentorship and judging in the tech industry. It excels in clarity and timeliness, addressing current and relevant topics within the tech sector. However, the article's reliance on a single perspective limits its balance and source quality, as it lacks diverse viewpoints and external validation. While the article touches on public interest topics, its impact and controversy are restrained by its focus on established norms and personal experiences. Overall, the article provides valuable insights but could benefit from greater transparency, source diversity, and exploration of alternative perspectives to enhance its depth and engagement.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article displays a high level of factual accuracy, with most claims verifiable through available records and sources. Balvinder Singh Banjardar's role as Director of Software Engineering for Walmart Global Tech is a verifiable fact, as is his extensive experience in the tech industry. His involvement in hackathons and his role as a judge are consistent with his professional profile. However, specific details such as the exact hackathon he won or the precise nature of his mentorship activities would benefit from additional verification. The article's claims about industry trends like ethical AI and scalability are generally supported by broader industry discussions, making them credible.

7
Balance

The article primarily presents a single perspective—that of Balvinder Singh Banjardar. It focuses on his experiences and insights, which provides depth but lacks a diversity of viewpoints. While it effectively highlights the benefits of judging and mentorship in the tech industry, it does not explore potential downsides or alternative perspectives, such as the challenges faced by participants or differing opinions on the impact of hackathons. This singular focus limits the article's balance, as it doesn't fully engage with a wider range of perspectives or possible criticisms.

9
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language that effectively conveys the author's experiences and insights. The logical flow of the narrative allows readers to easily follow the progression of ideas, from the benefits of judging and mentorship to the broader industry implications. The tone is professional and engaging, making the content accessible to a wide audience. The article's clarity is one of its strongest aspects, as it successfully communicates complex concepts in an understandable manner.

6
Source quality

The article primarily relies on the firsthand account of Balvinder Singh Banjardar, whose professional standing lends credibility to the narrative. However, it lacks external sources or corroborating evidence to support the broader claims made about industry trends and the impact of hackathons. The absence of other voices or expert opinions reduces the article's reliability, as it relies heavily on one individual's experiences and interpretations without additional validation from independent sources.

5
Transparency

The article provides limited transparency regarding the basis of its claims. While it clearly attributes insights and experiences to Balvinder Singh Banjardar, it does not disclose the methodology behind his observations or the specific criteria used in his judging roles. Additionally, potential conflicts of interest, such as his affiliation with Walmart Global Tech, are not explicitly addressed. This lack of transparency may affect the reader's ability to fully assess the impartiality and reliability of the information presented.

Sources

  1. https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/balvinder-singh-banjardar-was-honored-with-the-2024-global-recognition-award-for-exceptional-leadership-in-it-and-digital-transformation-1033885272
  2. https://stevies-tech.secure-platform.com/site/page/judges/2024-judging-committees/individual-achievement-awards
  3. https://banjardar.com
  4. https://www.intellibushackathon.com/judges-coaches
  5. https://mentorcruise.com/mentor/balvindersinghbanjardar/