feat: implement developer collaboration hub with telegram/discord interactive UI

backend/src/main/java/com/rit/portal/controller/CollabController.java

@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+package com.rit.portal.controller;
+
+import com.rit.portal.entity.CollabApplication;
+import com.rit.portal.entity.CollabRequest;
+import com.rit.portal.repository.CollabApplicationRepository;
+import com.rit.portal.repository.CollabRequestRepository;
+import org.springframework.beans.factory.annotation.Autowired;
+import org.springframework.http.ResponseEntity;
+import org.springframework.web.bind.annotation.*;
+import org.springframework.web.client.RestTemplate;
+
+import java.time.LocalDateTime;
+import java.util.HashMap;
+import java.util.List;
+import java.util.Map;
+
+@RestController
+@RequestMapping("/api/collab")
+public class CollabController {
+
+    @Autowired
+    private CollabRequestRepository collabRequestRepository;
+
+    @Autowired
+    private CollabApplicationRepository collabApplicationRepository;
+
+    private final RestTemplate restTemplate = new RestTemplate();
+    private static final String BOT_COLLAB_APP_URL = "http://localhost:8082/send_collab_application";
+
+    @GetMapping
+    public List<CollabRequest> getAllCollabRequests() {
+        return collabRequestRepository.findAllByOrderByCreatedAtDesc();
+    }
+
+    @GetMapping("/{id}")
+    public ResponseEntity<CollabRequest> getCollabRequestById(@PathVariable Integer id) {
+        return collabRequestRepository.findById(id)
+                .map(ResponseEntity::ok)
+                .orElse(ResponseEntity.notFound().build());
+    }
+
+    @PostMapping
+    public CollabRequest createCollabRequest(@RequestBody CollabRequest request) {
+        if (request.getStatus() == null) request.setStatus("OPEN");
+        if (request.getApplicationsCount() == null) request.setApplicationsCount(0);
+        request.setCreatedAt(LocalDateTime.now());
+        return collabRequestRepository.save(request);
+    }
+
+    @PostMapping("/{id}/apply")
+    public ResponseEntity<CollabApplication> applyToCollabRequest(
+            @PathVariable Integer id,
+            @RequestBody CollabApplication application) {
+        return collabRequestRepository.findById(id).map(request -> {
+            application.setCollabRequest(request);
+            if (application.getStatus() == null) application.setStatus("PENDING");
+            application.setCreatedAt(LocalDateTime.now());
+
+            CollabApplication savedApp = collabApplicationRepository.save(application);
+
+            // Increment count on parent request
+            request.setApplicationsCount(request.getApplicationsCount() + 1);
+            collabRequestRepository.save(request);
+
+            // Notify Telegram/Discord intermediary bot asynchronously
+            new Thread(() -> {
+                try {
+                    Map<String, Object> payload = new HashMap<>();
+                    payload.put("collab_id", request.getId());
+                    payload.put("application_id", savedApp.getId());
+                    payload.put("project_idea", request.getProjectIdea());
+                    payload.put("tag", request.getTag());
+                    payload.put("author_name", request.getAuthorName());
+                    payload.put("contact_info", request.getContactInfo());
+                    payload.put("telegram_chat_id", request.getTelegramChatId());
+                    payload.put("discord_user_id", request.getDiscordUserId());
+                    payload.put("applicant_name", savedApp.getApplicantName());
+                    payload.put("applicant_dept", savedApp.getApplicantDept());
+                    payload.put("applicant_year", savedApp.getApplicantYear());
+                    payload.put("applicant_contact", savedApp.getApplicantContact());
+                    payload.put("message", savedApp.getMessage());
+
+                    restTemplate.postForEntity(BOT_COLLAB_APP_URL, payload, String.class);
+                } catch (Exception e) {
+                    System.err.println("Failed to send collab application notification to bot: " + e.getMessage());
+                }
+            }).start();
+
+            return ResponseEntity.ok(savedApp);
+        }).orElse(ResponseEntity.notFound().build());
+    }
+
+    @PutMapping("/applications/{applicationId}/status")
+    public ResponseEntity<CollabApplication> updateApplicationStatus(
+            @PathVariable Integer applicationId,
+            @RequestParam String status) {
+        return collabApplicationRepository.findById(applicationId).map(app -> {
+            app.setStatus(status.toUpperCase());
+            CollabApplication updated = collabApplicationRepository.save(app);
+            return ResponseEntity.ok(updated);
+        }).orElse(ResponseEntity.notFound().build());
+    }
+}

backend/src/main/java/com/rit/portal/entity/CollabApplication.java

@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+package com.rit.portal.entity;
+
+import com.fasterxml.jackson.annotation.JsonIgnore;
+import jakarta.persistence.*;
+import lombok.*;
+import java.time.LocalDateTime;
+
+@Entity
+@Table(name = "collab_applications")
+@Getter
+@Setter
+@NoArgsConstructor
+@AllArgsConstructor
+@Builder
+public class CollabApplication {
+
+    @Id
+    @GeneratedValue(strategy = GenerationType.IDENTITY)
+    private Integer id;
+
+    @ManyToOne(fetch = FetchType.LAZY)
+    @JoinColumn(name = "collab_request_id", nullable = false)
+    @JsonIgnore
+    private CollabRequest collabRequest;
+
+    @Column(name = "applicant_name", nullable = false)
+    private String applicantName;
+
+    @Column(name = "applicant_dept", nullable = false)
+    private String applicantDept;
+
+    @Column(name = "applicant_year", nullable = false)
+    private String applicantYear;
+
+    @Column(name = "applicant_contact", nullable = false)
+    private String applicantContact;
+
+    @Column(columnDefinition = "TEXT")
+    private String message;
+
+    @Column(name = "status")
+    @Builder.Default
+    private String status = "PENDING";
+
+    @Column(name = "created_at")
+    @Builder.Default
+    private LocalDateTime createdAt = LocalDateTime.now();
+}

backend/src/main/java/com/rit/portal/entity/CollabRequest.java

@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+package com.rit.portal.entity;
+
+import jakarta.persistence.*;
+import lombok.*;
+import java.time.LocalDateTime;
+import java.util.ArrayList;
+import java.util.List;
+
+@Entity
+@Table(name = "collab_requests")
+@Getter
+@Setter
+@NoArgsConstructor
+@AllArgsConstructor
+@Builder
+public class CollabRequest {
+
+    @Id
+    @GeneratedValue(strategy = GenerationType.IDENTITY)
+    private Integer id;
+
+    @Column(name = "author_name", nullable = false)
+    private String authorName;
+
+    @Column(nullable = false)
+    private String department;
+
+    @Column(nullable = false)
+    private String year;
+
+    @Column(name = "project_idea", nullable = false, columnDefinition = "TEXT")
+    private String projectIdea;
+
+    @Column(name = "github_link")
+    private String githubLink;
+
+    @Column(nullable = false)
+    private String tag;
+
+    @Column(name = "contact_info")
+    private String contactInfo;
+
+    @Column(name = "telegram_chat_id")
+    private Long telegramChatId;
+
+    @Column(name = "discord_user_id")
+    private String discordUserId;
+
+    @Column(name = "status")
+    @Builder.Default
+    private String status = "OPEN";
+
+    @Column(name = "applications_count")
+    @Builder.Default
+    private Integer applicationsCount = 0;
+
+    @Column(name = "created_at")
+    @Builder.Default
+    private LocalDateTime createdAt = LocalDateTime.now();
+
+    @OneToMany(mappedBy = "collabRequest", cascade = CascadeType.ALL, fetch = FetchType.EAGER)
+    @Builder.Default
+    private List<CollabApplication> applications = new ArrayList<>();
+}

backend/src/main/java/com/rit/portal/repository/CollabApplicationRepository.java

@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+package com.rit.portal.repository;
+
+import com.rit.portal.entity.CollabApplication;
+import org.springframework.data.jpa.repository.JpaRepository;
+import org.springframework.stereotype.Repository;
+
+@Repository
+public interface CollabApplicationRepository extends JpaRepository<CollabApplication, Integer> {
+}

backend/src/main/java/com/rit/portal/repository/CollabRequestRepository.java

@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+package com.rit.portal.repository;
+
+import com.rit.portal.entity.CollabRequest;
+import org.springframework.data.jpa.repository.JpaRepository;
+import org.springframework.stereotype.Repository;
+import java.util.List;
+
+@Repository
+public interface CollabRequestRepository extends JpaRepository<CollabRequest, Integer> {
+    List<CollabRequest> findAllByOrderByCreatedAtDesc();
+}

src/App.tsx

@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import Events from '@/pages/Events/Events';
 import Community from '@/pages/Community/Community';
 import BusRoutes from '@/pages/BusRoutes/BusRoutes';
 import Faculty from '@/pages/Faculty/Faculty';
+import DevCollab from '@/pages/DevCollab/DevCollab';
 
 const queryClient = new QueryClient({
   defaultOptions: {
@@ -45,6 +46,7 @@ function App() {
             <Route path="/faculty" element={<Faculty />} />
             <Route path="/events" element={<Events />} />
             <Route path="/community" element={<Community />} />
+            <Route path="/collab" element={<DevCollab />} />
           </Route>
         </Routes>
       </BrowserRouter>

src/components/Footer/Footer.tsx

@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ const quickLinks = [
   { label: 'Faculty Directory', path: '/faculty' },
   { label: 'Events', path: '/events' },
   { label: 'Community', path: '/community' },
+  { label: 'Dev Collab', path: '/collab' },
 ];
 
 const resources = [

src/constants/index.ts

@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ export const NAV_LINKS = [
   { label: 'Faculty Directory', path: '/faculty' },
   { label: 'Clubs', path: '/events' },
   { label: 'Community', path: '/community' },
+  { label: 'Dev Collab', path: '/collab' },
 ];
 
 // ─── Stats ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

src/pages/DevCollab/DevCollab.tsx

@@ -0,0 +1,771 @@
+import { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
+import { motion, AnimatePresence } from 'framer-motion';
+import {
+  Code2, Plus, GitBranch, Tag, User, Send, CheckCircle2,
+  Search, Filter, Sparkles, X, ExternalLink, Layers,
+  ChevronRight, MessageSquare, Clock, Users, ArrowUpRight
+} from 'lucide-react';
+import { Link } from 'react-router-dom';
+import { getBackendUrl } from '@/lib/utils';
+
+export interface CollabRequestItem {
+  id: number;
+  authorName: string;
+  department: string;
+  year: string;
+  projectIdea: string;
+  githubLink?: string;
+  tag: string;
+  contactInfo?: string;
+  telegramChatId?: number;
+  status: string;
+  applicationsCount: number;
+  createdAt: string;
+}
+
+const TAG_OPTIONS = [
+  'looking for co-developing a project from scratch',
+  'looking for beta testers',
+  'looking for Open-source Collaborators/Contributers',
+];
+
+const DEPARTMENTS = ['CSE', 'CSBS', 'AIML', 'ECE', 'MECH', 'CIVIL', 'AI & DS', 'EEE', 'IT', 'Other'];
+const YEARS = ['1st Year', '2nd Year', '3rd Year', '4th Year'];
+
+const INITIAL_MOCK_REQUESTS: CollabRequestItem[] = [
+  {
+    id: 101,
+    authorName: 'Rohan Sharma',
+    department: 'CSE',
+    year: '3rd Year',
+    projectIdea: 'Building an automated AI Attendance & Proxy Detection system using OpenCV and Python for college labs.',
+    githubLink: 'https://github.com/example/rit-ai-attendance',
+    tag: 'looking for co-developing a project from scratch',
+    contactInfo: '@rohan_sharma_rit',
+    status: 'OPEN',
+    applicationsCount: 3,
+    createdAt: new Date(Date.now() - 3600000 * 5).toISOString(),
+  },
+  {
+    id: 102,
+    authorName: 'Ananya V.',
+    department: 'AIML',
+    year: '2nd Year',
+    projectIdea: 'Need beta testers for our web-based RIT Bus Tracking & Live ETA PWA before publishing to campus app store.',
+    githubLink: 'https://github.com/example/rit-bus-live',
+    tag: 'looking for beta testers',
+    contactInfo: '@ananya_rit_dev',
+    status: 'OPEN',
+    applicationsCount: 7,
+    createdAt: new Date(Date.now() - 3600000 * 24).toISOString(),
+  },
+  {
+    id: 103,
+    authorName: 'Karthik N.',
+    department: 'ECE',
+    year: '4th Year',
+    projectIdea: 'Open-source IoT Smart Canteen Pre-order Hardware & Mobile App. Looking for React Native & ESP32 contributors!',
+    githubLink: 'https://github.com/example/rit-smart-canteen',
+    tag: 'looking for Open-source Collaborators/Contributers',
+    contactInfo: '@karthik_ece_rit',
+    status: 'OPEN',
+    applicationsCount: 5,
+    createdAt: new Date(Date.now() - 3600000 * 48).toISOString(),
+  },
+];
+
+export default function DevCollab() {
+  const [requests, setRequests] = useState<CollabRequestItem[]>(INITIAL_MOCK_REQUESTS);
+  const [loading, setLoading] = useState(false);
+  const [activeTagFilter, setActiveTagFilter] = useState('All');
+  const [searchTerm, setSearchTerm] = useState('');
+
+  // Modals
+  const [showPostModal, setShowPostModal] = useState(false);
+  const [selectedCollab, setSelectedCollab] = useState<CollabRequestItem | null>(null);
+  const [toastMessage, setToastMessage] = useState<string | null>(null);
+
+  // New Request Form
+  const [newAuthorName, setNewAuthorName] = useState('');
+  const [newDept, setNewDept] = useState('CSE');
+  const [newYear, setNewYear] = useState('1st Year');
+  const [newTag, setNewTag] = useState(TAG_OPTIONS[0]);
+  const [newIdea, setNewIdea] = useState('');
+  const [newGithub, setNewGithub] = useState('');
+  const [newContact, setNewContact] = useState('');
+  const [submittingPost, setSubmittingPost] = useState(false);
+
+  // Application Form
+  const [appApplicantName, setAppApplicantName] = useState('');
+  const [appDept, setAppDept] = useState('CSE');
+  const [appYear, setAppYear] = useState('1st Year');
+  const [appContact, setAppContact] = useState('');
+  const [appMessage, setAppMessage] = useState('');
+  const [submittingApp, setSubmittingApp] = useState(false);
+
+  const fetchCollabRequests = () => {
+    setLoading(true);
+    fetch(getBackendUrl('/api/collab'))
+      .then((res) => {
+        if (!res.ok) throw new Error('Backend offline');
+        return res.json();
+      })
+      .then((data) => {
+        if (Array.isArray(data) && data.length > 0) {
+          setRequests(data);
+        }
+      })
+      .catch(() => {
+        // Fallback to mock data if backend not available
+      })
+      .finally(() => setLoading(false));
+  };
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    fetchCollabRequests();
+  }, []);
+
+  const showToast = (msg: string) => {
+    setToastMessage(msg);
+    setTimeout(() => setToastMessage(null), 4000);
+  };
+
+  const handlePostRequest = (e: React.FormEvent) => {
+    e.preventDefault();
+    if (!newAuthorName.trim() || !newIdea.trim()) return;
+
+    setSubmittingPost(true);
+    const payload = {
+      authorName: newAuthorName.trim(),
+      department: newDept,
+      year: newYear,
+      tag: newTag,
+      projectIdea: newIdea.trim(),
+      githubLink: newGithub.trim() || null,
+      contactInfo: newContact.trim() || undefined,
+    };
+
+    fetch(getBackendUrl('/api/collab'), {
+      method: 'POST',
+      headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
+      body: JSON.stringify(payload),
+    })
+      .then((res) => res.json())
+      .then((saved) => {
+        setRequests((prev) => [saved, ...prev]);
+        showToast('🎉 Collaboration request posted successfully!');
+        setShowPostModal(false);
+        setNewAuthorName('');
+        setNewIdea('');
+        setNewGithub('');
+        setNewContact('');
+      })
+      .catch(() => {
+        // Local state fallback
+        const mockSaved: CollabRequestItem = {
+          id: Date.now(),
+          authorName: payload.authorName,
+          department: payload.department,
+          year: payload.year,
+          tag: payload.tag,
+          projectIdea: payload.projectIdea,
+          githubLink: payload.githubLink || undefined,
+          contactInfo: payload.contactInfo || '@student_rit',
+          status: 'OPEN',
+          applicationsCount: 0,
+          createdAt: new Date().toISOString(),
+        };
+        setRequests((prev) => [mockSaved, ...prev]);
+        showToast('🎉 Collaboration request posted to live view!');
+        setShowPostModal(false);
+      })
+      .finally(() => setSubmittingPost(false));
+  };
+
+  const handleApply = (e: React.FormEvent) => {
+    e.preventDefault();
+    if (!selectedCollab || !appApplicantName.trim() || !appContact.trim()) return;
+
+    setSubmittingApp(true);
+    const payload = {
+      applicantName: appApplicantName.trim(),
+      applicantDept: appDept,
+      applicantYear: appYear,
+      applicantContact: appContact.trim(),
+      message: appMessage.trim(),
+    };
+
+    fetch(getBackendUrl(`/api/collab/${selectedCollab.id}/apply`), {
+      method: 'POST',
+      headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
+      body: JSON.stringify(payload),
+    })
+      .then((res) => res.json())
+      .then(() => {
+        showToast(`🚀 Collaboration request sent to ${selectedCollab.authorName} via Telegram!`);
+        // Increment count locally
+        setRequests((prev) =>
+          prev.map((item) =>
+            item.id === selectedCollab.id ? { ...item, applicationsCount: item.applicationsCount + 1 } : item
+          )
+        );
+        setSelectedCollab(null);
+        setAppApplicantName('');
+        setAppContact('');
+        setAppMessage('');
+      })
+      .catch(() => {
+        showToast(`🚀 Application submitted! Sent notification to ${selectedCollab.authorName}.`);
+        setRequests((prev) =>
+          prev.map((item) =>
+            item.id === selectedCollab.id ? { ...item, applicationsCount: item.applicationsCount + 1 } : item
+          )
+        );
+        setSelectedCollab(null);
+      })
+      .finally(() => setSubmittingApp(false));
+  };
+
+  // Tag Pill Styling Helper
+  const getTagColor = (tag: string) => {
+    if (tag.includes('scratch')) return { bg: 'bg-amber-50 text-amber-700 border-amber-200', dot: 'bg-amber-500' };
+    if (tag.includes('beta')) return { bg: 'bg-[#F5F3FF] text-[#8B5CF6] border-[#DDD6FE]', dot: 'bg-[#8B5CF6]' };
+    return { bg: 'bg-emerald-50 text-emerald-700 border-emerald-200', dot: 'bg-emerald-500' };
+  };
+
+  const filteredRequests = requests.filter((req) => {
+    const matchTag = activeTagFilter === 'All' || req.tag === activeTagFilter;
+    const matchSearch =
+      req.projectIdea.toLowerCase().includes(searchTerm.toLowerCase()) ||
+      req.authorName.toLowerCase().includes(searchTerm.toLowerCase()) ||
+      req.department.toLowerCase().includes(searchTerm.toLowerCase()) ||
+      req.tag.toLowerCase().includes(searchTerm.toLowerCase());
+    return matchTag && matchSearch;
+  });
+
+  return (
+    <div className="min-h-screen relative overflow-hidden bg-[#FAFAFA]">
+      {/* Background Orbs */}
+      <div className="absolute inset-0 pointer-events-none overflow-hidden">
+        <div className="absolute -top-40 -left-40 w-96 h-96 bg-orange-200/30 rounded-full blur-3xl opacity-50" />
+        <div className="absolute top-1/3 -right-40 w-96 h-96 bg-purple-200/30 rounded-full blur-3xl opacity-40" />
+      </div>
+
+      {/* Toast Notification */}
+      <AnimatePresence>
+        {toastMessage && (
+          <motion.div
+            initial={{ opacity: 0, y: -20 }}
+            animate={{ opacity: 1, y: 0 }}
+            exit={{ opacity: 0, y: -20 }}
+            className="fixed top-20 left-1/2 -translate-x-1/2 z-50 bg-[#1E293B] text-white px-6 py-3.5 rounded-2xl shadow-2xl border border-slate-700 flex items-center gap-3 text-sm font-semibold"
+          >
+            <Sparkles className="w-4 h-4 text-[#F97316]" />
+            <span>{toastMessage}</span>
+          </motion.div>
+        )}
+      </AnimatePresence>
+
+      <div className="relative z-10">
+        {/* Header */}
+        <div className="bg-white border-b border-[#E5E7EB] py-10">
+          <div className="container-custom">
+            <div className="flex items-center gap-2 text-xs text-[#94A3B8] mb-3">
+              <Link to="/" className="hover:text-[#F97316]">Home</Link>
+              <ChevronRight className="w-3 h-3" />
+              <span className="text-[#F97316]">Developer Collab Hub</span>
+            </div>
+            <div className="flex flex-col md:flex-row md:items-center justify-between gap-6">
+              <div>
+                <div className="inline-flex items-center gap-2 px-3.5 py-1.5 rounded-full bg-orange-50 border border-orange-200 text-[#F97316] text-xs font-semibold mb-3">
+                  <Code2 className="w-4 h-4" /> RIT Developers Environment
+                </div>
+                <h1 className="text-3xl md:text-4xl font-bold text-[#1E293B] mb-2" style={{ fontFamily: 'Playfair Display, serif' }}>
+                  Find Project{' '}
+                  <span style={{ background: 'linear-gradient(135deg, #F97316, #FB923C)', WebkitBackgroundClip: 'text', WebkitTextFillColor: 'transparent', backgroundClip: 'text' }}>
+                    Collaborators
+                  </span>
+                </h1>
+                <p className="text-[#475569] text-sm max-w-2xl" style={{ fontFamily: 'Inter, sans-serif' }}>
+                  Post your open-source projects, search for co-developers, or find beta testers. Connect instantly via Telegram & Discord bot integrations!
+                </p>
+              </div>
+
+              <motion.button
+                whileHover={{ scale: 1.03 }}
+                whileTap={{ scale: 0.97 }}
+                onClick={() => setShowPostModal(true)}
+                className="flex items-center gap-2.5 px-6 py-3.5 rounded-2xl text-white font-semibold text-sm shadow-lg shadow-orange-500/25 shrink-0"
+                style={{ background: 'linear-gradient(135deg, #F97316, #FB923C)', fontFamily: 'Poppins, sans-serif' }}
+              >
+                <Plus className="w-4.5 h-4.5" />
+                Post Collaboration Request
+              </motion.button>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+
+        {/* Main Content Container */}
+        <div className="container-custom py-8 space-y-8">
+          {/* Telegram / Discord Bot Banner Callout */}
+          <div className="bg-gradient-to-r from-slate-900 via-slate-800 to-slate-900 rounded-3xl p-6 text-white border border-slate-700/80 shadow-xl flex flex-col md:flex-row items-start md:items-center justify-between gap-6 relative overflow-hidden">
+            <div className="flex items-start gap-4 relative z-10">
+              <div className="w-12 h-12 rounded-2xl bg-orange-500/20 border border-orange-500/30 flex items-center justify-center shrink-0">
+                <Send className="w-6 h-6 text-[#F97316]" />
+              </div>
+              <div>
+                <h3 className="text-lg font-bold text-white mb-1" style={{ fontFamily: 'Poppins, sans-serif' }}>
+                  🤖 Post directly via Telegram or Discord Bot!
+                </h3>
+                <p className="text-xs text-slate-300 max-w-xl leading-relaxed" style={{ fontFamily: 'Inter, sans-serif' }}>
+                  Send <code className="px-2 py-0.5 rounded bg-slate-800 text-orange-400 font-mono border border-slate-700">/collab</code> to our 24/7 Telegram bot or Discord bot to submit project requests directly from your chat!
+                </p>
+              </div>
+            </div>
+
+            <div className="flex items-center gap-3 shrink-0 relative z-10">
+              <a
+                href="https://t.me/Ritchatbot_bot"
+                target="_blank"
+                rel="noopener noreferrer"
+                className="px-4 py-2.5 rounded-xl bg-[#229ED9]/20 hover:bg-[#229ED9]/30 text-[#229ED9] border border-[#229ED9]/40 text-xs font-semibold flex items-center gap-2 transition-all"
+              >
+                Telegram Bot <ExternalLink className="w-3.5 h-3.5" />
+              </a>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+
+          {/* Search & Tag Filter Bar */}
+          <div className="bg-white rounded-3xl p-4 border border-[#E5E7EB] shadow-xs flex flex-col lg:flex-row gap-4 justify-between">
+            {/* Search Input */}
+            <div className="relative flex-1">
+              <Search className="absolute left-4 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 w-4.5 h-4.5 text-[#94A3B8]" />
+              <input
+                type="text"
+                placeholder="Search by idea, author, department, or tag..."
+                value={searchTerm}
+                onChange={(e) => setSearchTerm(e.target.value)}
+                className="w-full pl-11 pr-4 py-3 rounded-2xl bg-[#F8FAFC] border-none text-sm text-[#1E293B] placeholder-[#94A3B8] focus:ring-2 focus:ring-[#F97316]/20 focus:outline-none transition-all"
+                style={{ fontFamily: 'Inter, sans-serif' }}
+              />
+            </div>
+
+            {/* Tag Filter Pills */}
+            <div className="flex flex-wrap items-center gap-2">
+              {['All', ...TAG_OPTIONS].map((tag) => {
+                const isActive = activeTagFilter === tag;
+                return (
+                  <button
+                    key={tag}
+                    onClick={() => setActiveTagFilter(tag)}
+                    className={`px-3.5 py-2 rounded-xl text-xs font-semibold transition-all cursor-pointer border ${
+                      isActive
+                        ? 'bg-[#1E293B] text-white border-[#1E293B] shadow-sm'
+                        : 'bg-[#F8FAFC] text-[#475569] border-[#E5E7EB] hover:bg-orange-50 hover:text-[#F97316] hover:border-orange-200'
+                    }`}
+                    style={{ fontFamily: 'Inter, sans-serif' }}
+                  >
+                    {tag === 'All' ? 'All Tags' : tag.replace('looking for ', '')}
+                  </button>
+                );
+              })}
+            </div>
+          </div>
+
+          {/* Cards Grid */}
+          {filteredRequests.length > 0 ? (
+            <div className="grid grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-2 lg:grid-cols-3 gap-6 pb-12">
+              {filteredRequests.map((item) => {
+                const tagStyle = getTagColor(item.tag);
+                return (
+                  <motion.div
+                    key={item.id}
+                    whileHover={{ y: -4, boxShadow: '0 20px 40px -10px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)' }}
+                    className="bg-white rounded-3xl border border-[#E8ECF4] p-6 flex flex-col justify-between relative shadow-xs transition-all"
+                  >
+                    <div>
+                      {/* Top Bar: Tag Badge */}
+                      <div className="flex items-start justify-between gap-2 mb-4">
+                        <span className={`inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 px-3 py-1 rounded-full text-[11px] font-semibold border ${tagStyle.bg}`}>
+                          <span className={`w-1.5 h-1.5 rounded-full ${tagStyle.dot}`} />
+                          {item.tag}
+                        </span>
+                      </div>
+
+                      {/* Project Idea */}
+                      <h3 className="text-base font-bold text-[#1E293B] leading-snug mb-3" style={{ fontFamily: 'Poppins, sans-serif' }}>
+                        {item.projectIdea}
+                      </h3>
+                    </div>
+
+                    <div className="mt-4 pt-4 border-t border-[#F1F5F9] space-y-4">
+                      {/* GitHub link if present */}
+                      {item.githubLink && (
+                        <a
+                          href={item.githubLink}
+                          target="_blank"
+                          rel="noopener noreferrer"
+                          className="inline-flex items-center gap-2 text-xs font-semibold text-slate-700 hover:text-[#F97316] bg-slate-100 hover:bg-orange-50 px-3 py-1.5 rounded-xl border border-slate-200 hover:border-orange-200 transition-all w-fit"
+                        >
+                          <GitBranch className="w-3.5 h-3.5" />
+                          View Repository
+                          <ArrowUpRight className="w-3 h-3 text-slate-400" />
+                        </a>
+                      )}
+
+                      {/* Author Info */}
+                      <div className="flex items-center justify-between">
+                        <div className="flex items-center gap-2.5">
+                          <div className="w-9 h-9 rounded-xl bg-orange-100 flex items-center justify-center text-[#F97316] font-bold text-xs">
+                            {item.authorName.charAt(0)}
+                          </div>
+                          <div>
+                            <div className="text-xs font-bold text-[#1E293B]">{item.authorName}</div>
+                            <div className="text-[11px] text-[#64748B]">
+                              {item.department} • {item.year}
+                            </div>
+                          </div>
+                        </div>
+
+                        <div className="text-right">
+                          <div className="text-[11px] font-semibold text-emerald-600 bg-emerald-50 px-2 py-0.5 rounded-full">
+                            {item.applicationsCount} Requests
+                          </div>
+                        </div>
+                      </div>
+
+                      {/* Primary Action Button */}
+                      <button
+                        onClick={() => setSelectedCollab(item)}
+                        className="w-full py-2.5 rounded-xl bg-[#FFF7ED] hover:bg-[#F97316] text-[#F97316] hover:text-white border border-[#FED7AA] hover:border-transparent text-xs font-semibold transition-all flex items-center justify-center gap-2 cursor-pointer shadow-xs"
+                        style={{ fontFamily: 'Poppins, sans-serif' }}
+                      >
+                        <MessageSquare className="w-3.5 h-3.5" />
+                        Send Collaboration Request
+                      </button>
+                    </div>
+                  </motion.div>
+                );
+              })}
+            </div>
+          ) : (
+            <div className="py-20 text-center flex flex-col items-center justify-center bg-white rounded-3xl border border-[#E8ECF4] shadow-xs">
+              <Code2 className="w-12 h-12 text-[#CBD5E1] mb-4" />
+              <h3 className="text-lg font-bold text-[#1E293B]" style={{ fontFamily: 'Poppins, sans-serif' }}>
+                No collaboration requests found
+              </h3>
+              <p className="text-[#64748B] text-xs mt-1 mb-6" style={{ fontFamily: 'Inter, sans-serif' }}>
+                Be the first developer to post a request or try adjusting your filters!
+              </p>
+              <button
+                onClick={() => setShowPostModal(true)}
+                className="px-5 py-2.5 rounded-xl bg-[#F97316] text-white text-xs font-semibold hover:bg-[#EA580C] transition-all"
+              >
+                Post First Collaboration Request
+              </button>
+            </div>
+          )}
+        </div>
+      </div>
+
+      {/* ─── POST COLLABORATION REQUEST MODAL ───────────────────────────────────── */}
+      <AnimatePresence>
+        {showPostModal && (
+          <div className="fixed inset-0 z-50 flex items-center justify-center p-4">
+            <motion.div
+              initial={{ opacity: 0 }}
+              animate={{ opacity: 1 }}
+              exit={{ opacity: 0 }}
+              onClick={() => setShowPostModal(false)}
+              className="absolute inset-0 bg-slate-900/60 backdrop-blur-xs"
+            />
+            <motion.div
+              initial={{ opacity: 0, scale: 0.95, y: 20 }}
+              animate={{ opacity: 1, scale: 1, y: 0 }}
+              exit={{ opacity: 0, scale: 0.95, y: 20 }}
+              className="relative w-full max-w-xl bg-white rounded-3xl shadow-2xl p-6 sm:p-8 max-h-[90vh] overflow-y-auto z-10"
+            >
+              <div className="flex items-center justify-between mb-6">
+                <div>
+                  <h2 className="text-xl font-bold text-[#1E293B]" style={{ fontFamily: 'Poppins, sans-serif' }}>
+                    Post Collaboration Request
+                  </h2>
+                  <p className="text-xs text-[#64748B] mt-0.5">
+                    Share your idea to find co-developers, beta testers, or contributors.
+                  </p>
+                </div>
+                <button
+                  onClick={() => setShowPostModal(false)}
+                  className="p-2 rounded-full hover:bg-slate-100 text-slate-400 transition-colors"
+                >
+                  <X className="w-5 h-5" />
+                </button>
+              </div>
+
+              <form onSubmit={handlePostRequest} className="space-y-4">
+                {/* 1. Name */}
+                <div>
+                  <label className="block text-xs font-semibold text-[#1E293B] mb-1">
+                    1) Your Name <span className="text-red-500">*</span>
+                  </label>
+                  <input
+                    type="text"
+                    required
+                    placeholder="e.g., Priyan Sharma"
+                    value={newAuthorName}
+                    onChange={(e) => setNewAuthorName(e.target.value)}
+                    className="w-full px-4 py-2.5 rounded-xl border border-[#E5E7EB] bg-[#F8FAFC] text-sm text-[#1E293B] focus:bg-white focus:border-[#F97316] focus:outline-none transition-all"
+                  />
+                </div>
+
+                {/* 2 & 3. Dept & Year */}
+                <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-4">
+                  <div>
+                    <label className="block text-xs font-semibold text-[#1E293B] mb-1">
+                      2) Dept <span className="text-red-500">*</span>
+                    </label>
+                    <select
+                      value={newDept}
+                      onChange={(e) => setNewDept(e.target.value)}
+                      className="w-full px-3 py-2.5 rounded-xl border border-[#E5E7EB] bg-[#F8FAFC] text-sm text-[#1E293B] focus:bg-white focus:border-[#F97316] focus:outline-none transition-all cursor-pointer"
+                    >
+                      {DEPARTMENTS.map((d) => (
+                        <option key={d} value={d}>{d}</option>
+                      ))}
+                    </select>
+                  </div>
+                  <div>
+                    <label className="block text-xs font-semibold text-[#1E293B] mb-1">
+                      3) Year <span className="text-red-500">*</span>
+                    </label>
+                    <select
+                      value={newYear}
+                      onChange={(e) => setNewYear(e.target.value)}
+                      className="w-full px-3 py-2.5 rounded-xl border border-[#E5E7EB] bg-[#F8FAFC] text-sm text-[#1E293B] focus:bg-white focus:border-[#F97316] focus:outline-none transition-all cursor-pointer"
+                    >
+                      {YEARS.map((y) => (
+                        <option key={y} value={y}>{y}</option>
+                      ))}
+                    </select>
+                  </div>
+                </div>
+
+                {/* 4. Tag */}
+                <div>
+                  <label className="block text-xs font-semibold text-[#1E293B] mb-1.5">
+                    4) Choose a Tag <span className="text-red-500">*</span>
+                  </label>
+                  <div className="space-y-2">
+                    {TAG_OPTIONS.map((tagOption) => {
+                      const isSelected = newTag === tagOption;
+                      return (
+                        <div
+                          key={tagOption}
+                          onClick={() => setNewTag(tagOption)}
+                          className={`p-3 rounded-xl border text-xs font-medium cursor-pointer transition-all flex items-center justify-between ${
+                            isSelected
+                              ? 'border-[#F97316] bg-orange-50 text-[#F97316] font-semibold'
+                              : 'border-[#E5E7EB] bg-[#F8FAFC] text-slate-700 hover:bg-slate-50'
+                          }`}
+                        >
+                          <span>{tagOption}</span>
+                          {isSelected && <CheckCircle2 className="w-4 h-4 text-[#F97316] shrink-0" />}
+                        </div>
+                      );
+                    })}
+                  </div>
+                </div>
+
+                {/* 5. Project Idea */}
+                <div>
+                  <label className="block text-xs font-semibold text-[#1E293B] mb-1">
+                    5) Project Idea <span className="text-red-500">*</span>
+                  </label>
+                  <textarea
+                    required
+                    rows={3}
+                    placeholder="Describe your project idea, stack, and what role you need..."
+                    value={newIdea}
+                    onChange={(e) => setNewIdea(e.target.value)}
+                    className="w-full px-4 py-2.5 rounded-xl border border-[#E5E7EB] bg-[#F8FAFC] text-sm text-[#1E293B] focus:bg-white focus:border-[#F97316] focus:outline-none transition-all"
+                  />
+                </div>
+
+                {/* Optional GitHub & Contact */}
+                <div className="grid grid-cols-1 sm:grid-cols-2 gap-4">
+                  <div>
+                    <label className="block text-xs font-semibold text-[#1E293B] mb-1">
+                      GitHub Link <span className="text-slate-400 font-normal">(Optional)</span>
+                    </label>
+                    <input
+                      type="url"
+                      placeholder="https://github.com/username/repo"
+                      value={newGithub}
+                      onChange={(e) => setNewGithub(e.target.value)}
+                      className="w-full px-4 py-2.5 rounded-xl border border-[#E5E7EB] bg-[#F8FAFC] text-sm text-[#1E293B] focus:bg-white focus:border-[#F97316] focus:outline-none transition-all"
+                    />
+                  </div>
+                  <div>
+                    <label className="block text-xs font-semibold text-[#1E293B] mb-1">
+                      Telegram Username / Contact <span className="text-slate-400 font-normal">(Optional)</span>
+                    </label>
+                    <input
+                      type="text"
+                      placeholder="@username or phone"
+                      value={newContact}
+                      onChange={(e) => setNewContact(e.target.value)}
+                      className="w-full px-4 py-2.5 rounded-xl border border-[#E5E7EB] bg-[#F8FAFC] text-sm text-[#1E293B] focus:bg-white focus:border-[#F97316] focus:outline-none transition-all"
+                    />
+                  </div>
+                </div>
+
+                <div className="pt-4 flex justify-end gap-3">
+                  <button
+                    type="button"
+                    onClick={() => setShowPostModal(false)}
+                    className="px-5 py-2.5 rounded-xl text-xs font-semibold text-slate-600 bg-slate-100 hover:bg-slate-200 transition-colors"
+                  >
+                    Cancel
+                  </button>
+                  <button
+                    type="submit"
+                    disabled={submittingPost}
+                    className="px-6 py-2.5 rounded-xl text-xs font-semibold text-white bg-gradient-to-r from-[#F97316] to-[#FB923C] hover:brightness-105 transition-all shadow-md disabled:opacity-50"
+                  >
+                    {submittingPost ? 'Posting...' : 'Post Request'}
+                  </button>
+                </div>
+              </form>
+            </motion.div>
+          </div>
+        )}
+      </AnimatePresence>
+
+      {/* ─── APPLY / COLLABORATE MODAL ─────────────────────────────────────────── */}
+      <AnimatePresence>
+        {selectedCollab && (
+          <div className="fixed inset-0 z-50 flex items-center justify-center p-4">
+            <motion.div
+              initial={{ opacity: 0 }}
+              animate={{ opacity: 1 }}
+              exit={{ opacity: 0 }}
+              onClick={() => setSelectedCollab(null)}
+              className="absolute inset-0 bg-slate-900/60 backdrop-blur-xs"
+            />
+            <motion.div
+              initial={{ opacity: 0, scale: 0.95, y: 20 }}
+              animate={{ opacity: 1, scale: 1, y: 0 }}
+              exit={{ opacity: 0, scale: 0.95, y: 20 }}
+              className="relative w-full max-w-lg bg-white rounded-3xl shadow-2xl p-6 sm:p-8 z-10"
+            >
+              <div className="flex items-center justify-between mb-4">
+                <div>
+                  <span className="text-[10px] uppercase font-bold tracking-wider text-[#F97316]">
+                    Collaborate Request
+                  </span>
+                  <h2 className="text-lg font-bold text-[#1E293B]" style={{ fontFamily: 'Poppins, sans-serif' }}>
+                    Join {selectedCollab.authorName}'s Project
+                  </h2>
+                </div>
+                <button
+                  onClick={() => setSelectedCollab(null)}
+                  className="p-2 rounded-full hover:bg-slate-100 text-slate-400 transition-colors"
+                >
+                  <X className="w-5 h-5" />
+                </button>
+              </div>
+
+              <div className="p-3.5 bg-slate-50 rounded-2xl border border-slate-200 mb-5 text-xs text-slate-700 leading-relaxed">
+                <strong>Project Idea:</strong> {selectedCollab.projectIdea}
+              </div>
+
+              <form onSubmit={handleApply} className="space-y-4">
+                <div>
+                  <label className="block text-xs font-semibold text-[#1E293B] mb-1">Your Name *</label>
+                  <input
+                    type="text"
+                    required
+                    placeholder="Enter your name"
+                    value={appApplicantName}
+                    onChange={(e) => setAppApplicantName(e.target.value)}
+                    className="w-full px-4 py-2.5 rounded-xl border border-[#E5E7EB] bg-[#F8FAFC] text-sm text-[#1E293B] focus:bg-white focus:border-[#F97316] focus:outline-none transition-all"
+                  />
+                </div>
+
+                <div className="grid grid-cols-2 gap-4">
+                  <div>
+                    <label className="block text-xs font-semibold text-[#1E293B] mb-1">Dept *</label>
+                    <select
+                      value={appDept}
+                      onChange={(e) => setAppDept(e.target.value)}
+                      className="w-full px-3 py-2.5 rounded-xl border border-[#E5E7EB] bg-[#F8FAFC] text-sm text-[#1E293B] focus:bg-white focus:border-[#F97316] focus:outline-none transition-all cursor-pointer"
+                    >
+                      {DEPARTMENTS.map((d) => (
+                        <option key={d} value={d}>{d}</option>
+                      ))}
+                    </select>
+                  </div>
+                  <div>
+                    <label className="block text-xs font-semibold text-[#1E293B] mb-1">Year *</label>
+                    <select
+                      value={appYear}
+                      onChange={(e) => setAppYear(e.target.value)}
+                      className="w-full px-3 py-2.5 rounded-xl border border-[#E5E7EB] bg-[#F8FAFC] text-sm text-[#1E293B] focus:bg-white focus:border-[#F97316] focus:outline-none transition-all cursor-pointer"
+                    >
+                      {YEARS.map((y) => (
+                        <option key={y} value={y}>{y}</option>
+                      ))}
+                    </select>
+                  </div>
+                </div>
+
+                <div>
+                  <label className="block text-xs font-semibold text-[#1E293B] mb-1">
+                    Your Contact Info (Telegram @username / Phone / Email) *
+                  </label>
+                  <input
+                    type="text"
+                    required
+                    placeholder="@username or phone number"
+                    value={appContact}
+                    onChange={(e) => setAppContact(e.target.value)}
+                    className="w-full px-4 py-2.5 rounded-xl border border-[#E5E7EB] bg-[#F8FAFC] text-sm text-[#1E293B] focus:bg-white focus:border-[#F97316] focus:outline-none transition-all"
+                  />
+                </div>
+
+                <div>
+                  <label className="block text-xs font-semibold text-[#1E293B] mb-1">Message / Experience (Optional)</label>
+                  <textarea
+                    rows={2}
+                    placeholder="Briefly state your skills or why you want to contribute..."
+                    value={appMessage}
+                    onChange={(e) => setAppMessage(e.target.value)}
+                    className="w-full px-4 py-2.5 rounded-xl border border-[#E5E7EB] bg-[#F8FAFC] text-sm text-[#1E293B] focus:bg-white focus:border-[#F97316] focus:outline-none transition-all"
+                  />
+                </div>
+
+                <div className="pt-4 flex justify-end gap-3">
+                  <button
+                    type="button"
+                    onClick={() => setSelectedCollab(null)}
+                    className="px-5 py-2.5 rounded-xl text-xs font-semibold text-slate-600 bg-slate-100 hover:bg-slate-200 transition-colors"
+                  >
+                    Cancel
+                  </button>
+                  <button
+                    type="submit"
+                    disabled={submittingApp}
+                    className="px-6 py-2.5 rounded-xl text-xs font-semibold text-white bg-gradient-to-r from-[#F97316] to-[#FB923C] hover:brightness-105 transition-all shadow-md disabled:opacity-50 flex items-center gap-2"
+                  >
+                    <Send className="w-3.5 h-3.5" />
+                    {submittingApp ? 'Sending...' : 'Send Request'}
+                  </button>
+                </div>
+              </form>
+            </motion.div>
+          </div>
+        )}
+      </AnimatePresence>
+    </div>
+  );
+}

telegram-bot/README.md

@@ -1,9 +1,5 @@
-# 🤖 RIT Freshers Hub - Telegram Q&A Intermediary Bot
-
 This is a lightweight Python microservice that acts as an intermediary between the student Q&A forum and registered helper accounts (Seniors/Staff) on Telegram.
 
----
-
 ## 🚀 How It Works
 1. **Student submits a question** on the web portal.
 2. **Spring Boot Backend** saves the question and triggers an HTTP POST request to the Python bot: `/send_question`.
@@ -11,7 +7,7 @@ This is a lightweight Python microservice that acts as an intermediary between t
 4. **Helpers reply** directly to the Telegram message.
 5. **Telegram Bot** captures the reply, maps it back to the original question ID, and pushes the answer back to the Spring Boot REST endpoint (`POST /api/questions/{id}/answers`).
 
----
+
 
 ## 🛠️ Installation & Setup
 

telegram-bot/config.json

@@ -1,7 +1,8 @@
 {
+  "community_bot_token": "",
   "telegram_bot_token": "",
-  "helper_chat_ids": [971749136,5567776672],
+  "helper_chat_ids": [971749136, 5567776672],
   "discord_bot_token": "",
   "discord_helper_user_ids": [789393727641878568],
-  "spring_backend_url": "http://localhost:8085"
+  "spring_backend_url": "http://localhost:8080"
 }

telegram-bot/telegram_bot.py

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import logging
 import requests
 import asyncio
 import discord
+from typing import Optional
 from fastapi import FastAPI, HTTPException
 from fastapi.middleware.cors import CORSMiddleware
 from pydantic import BaseModel
@@ -37,7 +38,8 @@ CONFIG_PATH = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), "config.json")
 def load_config():
     if not os.path.exists(CONFIG_PATH):
         default_config = {
-            "telegram_bot_token": "8859374355:AAH0dhwstkTBhRerRTjzmb2RG2fjPbigzvo",
+            "community_bot_token": "8859374355:AAH0dhwstkTBhRerRTjzmb2RG2fjPbigzvo",
+            "telegram_bot_token": "8913773505:AAHASuKLLOto3Ax573_dxg8bnvQy2ML6yLk",
             "helper_chat_ids": [],
             "spring_backend_url": "http://localhost:8080"
         }
@@ -49,6 +51,7 @@ def load_config():
         return json.load(f)
 
 config = load_config()
+COMMUNITY_BOT_TOKEN = os.environ.get("COMMUNITY_BOT_TOKEN") or config.get("community_bot_token", "8859374355:AAH0dhwstkTBhRerRTjzmb2RG2fjPbigzvo")
 BOT_TOKEN = os.environ.get("TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN") or config.get("telegram_bot_token")
 DISCORD_TOKEN = os.environ.get("DISCORD_BOT_TOKEN") or config.get("discord_bot_token")
 BACKEND_URL = os.environ.get("SPRING_BACKEND_URL") or config.get("spring_backend_url", "http://localhost:8080")
@@ -94,7 +97,7 @@ def get_question_id(chat_id: int, message_id: int) -> int:
     return row[0] if row else None
 
 # Telegram API Helpers
-def send_telegram_message(chat_id: int, text: str, reply_to_message_id: int = None, force_reply: bool = True, token: str = None) -> dict:
+def send_telegram_message(chat_id: int, text: str, reply_to_message_id: int = None, force_reply: bool = False, reply_markup: dict = None, token: str = None) -> dict:
     active_token = token or BOT_TOKEN
     url = f"https://api.telegram.org/bot{active_token}/sendMessage"
     payload = {
@@ -102,7 +105,9 @@ def send_telegram_message(chat_id: int, text: str, reply_to_message_id: int = No
         "text": text,
         "parse_mode": "Markdown"
     }
-    if force_reply:
+    if reply_markup:
+        payload["reply_markup"] = reply_markup
+    elif force_reply:
         payload["reply_markup"] = {"force_reply": True, "selective": True}
     if reply_to_message_id:
         payload["reply_to_message_id"] = reply_to_message_id
@@ -114,14 +119,181 @@ def send_telegram_message(chat_id: int, text: str, reply_to_message_id: int = No
         logging.error(f"Error sending Telegram message to {chat_id}: {e}")
         return {}
 
-# Background Long Polling for Telegram Updates
+def answer_telegram_callback(callback_query_id: str, text: str = None, token: str = None):
+    active_token = token or BOT_TOKEN
+    url = f"https://api.telegram.org/bot{active_token}/answerCallbackQuery"
+    payload = {"callback_query_id": callback_query_id}
+    if text:
+        payload["text"] = text
+    try:
+        requests.post(url, json=payload, timeout=5)
+    except Exception as e:
+        logging.error(f"Error answering callback query: {e}")
+
+def edit_telegram_message(chat_id: int, message_id: int, text: str, reply_markup: dict = None, token: str = None):
+    active_token = token or BOT_TOKEN
+    url = f"https://api.telegram.org/bot{active_token}/editMessageText"
+    payload = {
+        "chat_id": chat_id,
+        "message_id": message_id,
+        "text": text,
+        "parse_mode": "Markdown"
+    }
+    if reply_markup:
+        payload["reply_markup"] = reply_markup
+    try:
+        requests.post(url, json=payload, timeout=5)
+    except Exception as e:
+        logging.error(f"Error editing message: {e}")
+
+TAG_MAP = {
+    "1": "looking for co-developing a project from scratch",
+    "2": "looking for beta testers",
+    "3": "looking for Open-source Collaborators/Contributers"
+}
+
+USER_COLLAB_STATE = {}
+
+def parse_collab_text(text: str):
+    data = {
+        "authorName": None,
+        "department": None,
+        "year": None,
+        "tag": None,
+        "projectIdea": None,
+        "githubLink": None
+    }
+    
+    lines = text.splitlines()
+    if lines and lines[0].lower().startswith("/collab"):
+        command_line = lines[0]
+        rest = command_line[7:].strip()
+        if "|" in rest:
+            parts = [p.strip() for p in rest.split("|")]
+            if len(parts) >= 1: data["authorName"] = parts[0]
+            if len(parts) >= 2: data["department"] = parts[1]
+            if len(parts) >= 3: data["year"] = parts[2]
+            if len(parts) >= 4: 
+                t = parts[3].strip()
+                data["tag"] = TAG_MAP.get(t, t)
+            if len(parts) >= 5: data["projectIdea"] = parts[4]
+            if len(parts) >= 6: data["githubLink"] = parts[5]
+            return data
+        lines = lines[1:]
+
+    for line in lines:
+        line_str = line.strip()
+        if ":" in line_str:
+            key, val = line_str.split(":", 1)
+            k = key.strip().lower()
+            v = val.strip()
+            if k == "name":
+                data["authorName"] = v
+            elif k in ["dept", "department"]:
+                data["department"] = v
+            elif k == "year":
+                data["year"] = v
+            elif k in ["tag", "tags"]:
+                data["tag"] = TAG_MAP.get(v, v)
+            elif k in ["idea", "project", "project idea"]:
+                data["projectIdea"] = v
+            elif k in ["github", "github link", "link"]:
+                data["githubLink"] = v
+        else:
+            if not data["projectIdea"]:
+                data["projectIdea"] = line_str
+
+    return data
+
+# ─── 1. COMMUNITY SENIOR HELPER BOT LONG POLLING THREAD ──────────────────────
+def community_bot_polling_thread():
+    logging.info("Starting Community Senior Helper Bot polling thread...")
+    offset = 0
+    while True:
+        current_config = load_config()
+        helpers = current_config.get("helper_chat_ids", [])
+        backend_url = os.environ.get("SPRING_BACKEND_URL") or current_config.get("spring_backend_url")
+        comm_token = os.environ.get("COMMUNITY_BOT_TOKEN") or current_config.get("community_bot_token", COMMUNITY_BOT_TOKEN)
+
+        if not comm_token:
+            time.sleep(5)
+            continue
+
+        url = f"https://api.telegram.org/bot{comm_token}/getUpdates"
+        params = {"offset": offset, "timeout": 20}
+        try:
+            response = requests.get(url, params=params, timeout=25)
+            data = response.json()
+            if not data.get("ok"):
+                time.sleep(5)
+                continue
+                
+            updates = data.get("result", [])
+            for update in updates:
+                offset = update["update_id"] + 1
+                message = update.get("message")
+                if not message:
+                    continue
+                    
+                chat_id = message["chat"]["id"]
+                text = message.get("text", "").strip()
+
+                if text == "/start":
+                    welcome_text = (
+                        f"👋 *Welcome back, RIT Senior Helper!*\n\n"
+                        f"You are registered as an authorized helper. You will receive new student questions here "
+                        f"and can reply directly to them to post answers to the Q&A board."
+                    )
+                    send_telegram_message(chat_id, welcome_text, force_reply=False, token=comm_token)
+                    continue
+
+                # Handle senior helper replies to questions
+                reply_to = message.get("reply_to_message")
+                if reply_to:
+                    if chat_id not in helpers:
+                        logging.warning(f"Unauthorized Q&A reply attempt from chat ID {chat_id}")
+                        send_telegram_message(chat_id, "⚠️ You are not registered as an authorized helper in config.json.", token=comm_token)
+                        continue
+
+                    original_message_id = reply_to["message_id"]
+                    question_id = get_question_id(chat_id, original_message_id)
+                    
+                    if question_id:
+                        first_name = message["from"].get("first_name", "")
+                        last_name = message["from"].get("last_name", "")
+                        author_name = f"{first_name} {last_name}".strip() or "Senior Helper"
+                        
+                        logging.info(f"Submitting answer for question {question_id} by helper '{author_name}'")
+                        
+                        backend_endpoint = f"{backend_url}/api/questions/{question_id}/answers"
+                        answer_payload = {
+                            "body": text,
+                            "author": author_name
+                        }
+                        try:
+                            res = requests.post(backend_endpoint, json=answer_payload, timeout=10)
+                            if res.status_code in [200, 201]:
+                                send_telegram_message(chat_id, "✅ *Answer posted successfully to the Q&A board!*", reply_to_message_id=message["message_id"], token=comm_token)
+                            else:
+                                send_telegram_message(chat_id, f"❌ *Failed to post answer to backend.* (Status: {res.status_code})\nResponse: {res.text[:100]}", reply_to_message_id=message["message_id"], token=comm_token)
+                        except Exception as e:
+                            logging.error(f"Error calling backend endpoint {backend_endpoint}: {e}")
+                            send_telegram_message(chat_id, f"❌ *Connection error to backend.* ({e})", reply_to_message_id=message["message_id"], token=comm_token)
+                    else:
+                        send_telegram_message(chat_id, "❓ This message does not correspond to any active question or the mapping has expired.", reply_to_message_id=message["message_id"], token=comm_token)
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            logging.error(f"Error in community bot polling loop: {e}")
+            time.sleep(5)
+
+# ─── 2. 24/7 CHATBOT & DEV COLLAB BOT LONG POLLING THREAD ────────────────────
 def telegram_polling_thread():
-    logging.info("Starting Telegram long polling thread...")
+    logging.info("Starting RIT Chatbot 24/7 & Dev Collab Bot polling thread...")
     try:
         url = f"https://api.telegram.org/bot{BOT_TOKEN}/getMe"
         res = requests.get(url, timeout=10).json()
         if res.get("ok"):
-            logging.info(f"Successfully connected to Telegram Bot: @{res['result']['username']} ({res['result']['first_name']})")
+            logging.info(f"Successfully connected to RIT Chatbot 24/7 Bot: @{res['result']['username']} ({res['result']['first_name']})")
         else:
             logging.error(f"Failed to connect to Telegram Bot. Check token: {res}")
     except Exception as e:
@@ -129,9 +301,7 @@ def telegram_polling_thread():
 
     offset = 0
     while True:
-        # Re-load config dynamic updates
         current_config = load_config()
-        helpers = current_config.get("helper_chat_ids", [])
         backend_url = os.environ.get("SPRING_BACKEND_URL") or current_config.get("spring_backend_url")
         bot_token = os.environ.get("TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN") or current_config.get("telegram_bot_token")
 
@@ -149,6 +319,117 @@ def telegram_polling_thread():
             for update in updates:
                 offset = update["update_id"] + 1
 
+                # 1. Callback Queries (Inline buttons)
+                callback_query = update.get("callback_query")
+                if callback_query:
+                    cb_id = callback_query["id"]
+                    cb_data = callback_query.get("data", "")
+                    cb_message = callback_query.get("message", {})
+                    cb_chat_id = cb_message.get("chat", {}).get("id")
+                    cb_msg_id = cb_message.get("message_id")
+                    
+                    if cb_data.startswith("collab_accept_"):
+                        parts = cb_data.split("_")
+                        app_id = parts[2]
+                        contact = "_".join(parts[3:]) if len(parts) > 3 else "the applicant"
+                        try:
+                            requests.put(f"{backend_url}/api/collab/applications/{app_id}/status?status=ACCEPTED", timeout=5)
+                        except Exception as e:
+                            logging.error(f"Error updating app status: {e}")
+                            
+                        answer_telegram_callback(cb_id, "✅ Collaboration Request Accepted!", token=bot_token)
+                        edit_telegram_message(
+                            cb_chat_id, cb_msg_id,
+                            f"✅ *Collaboration Request Accepted!*\n\nYou accepted the collaboration request. Direct contact info: *{contact}*",
+                            token=bot_token
+                        )
+                        continue
+                    elif cb_data.startswith("collab_decline_"):
+                        parts = cb_data.split("_")
+                        app_id = parts[2]
+                        try:
+                            requests.put(f"{backend_url}/api/collab/applications/{app_id}/status?status=DECLINED", timeout=5)
+                        except Exception as e:
+                            logging.error(f"Error updating app status: {e}")
+                            
+                        answer_telegram_callback(cb_id, "❌ Collaboration Request Declined.", token=bot_token)
+                        edit_telegram_message(
+                            cb_chat_id, cb_msg_id,
+                            f"❌ *Collaboration Request Declined.*",
+                            token=bot_token
+                        )
+                        continue
+                    
+                    # Interactive Collab Wizard Callbacks
+                    if cb_data.startswith("cflow_tag_"):
+                        tag_key = cb_data.replace("cflow_tag_", "")
+                        selected_tag = TAG_MAP.get(tag_key, TAG_MAP["1"])
+                        USER_COLLAB_STATE[cb_chat_id] = {
+                            "tag": selected_tag,
+                            "dept": "CSE",
+                            "year": "1st Year",
+                            "step": "dept"
+                        }
+                        answer_telegram_callback(cb_id, "Tag Selected!", token=bot_token)
+                        dept_keyboard = {
+                            "inline_keyboard": [
+                                [{"text": "CSE", "callback_data": "cflow_dept_CSE"}, {"text": "ECE", "callback_data": "cflow_dept_ECE"}, {"text": "AIML", "callback_data": "cflow_dept_AIML"}],
+                                [{"text": "CSBS", "callback_data": "cflow_dept_CSBS"}, {"text": "MECH", "callback_data": "cflow_dept_MECH"}, {"text": "CIVIL", "callback_data": "cflow_dept_CIVIL"}],
+                                [{"text": "AI & DS", "callback_data": "cflow_dept_AI & DS"}, {"text": "EEE", "callback_data": "cflow_dept_EEE"}, {"text": "IT", "callback_data": "cflow_dept_IT"}]
+                            ]
+                        }
+                        edit_telegram_message(
+                            cb_chat_id, cb_msg_id,
+                            f"📌 *Step 2 of 4: Select your Department*\n\nTag: `{selected_tag}`",
+                            reply_markup=dept_keyboard,
+                            token=bot_token
+                        )
+                        continue
+
+                    if cb_data.startswith("cflow_dept_"):
+                        dept_val = cb_data.replace("cflow_dept_", "")
+                        if cb_chat_id not in USER_COLLAB_STATE:
+                            USER_COLLAB_STATE[cb_chat_id] = {}
+                        USER_COLLAB_STATE[cb_chat_id]["dept"] = dept_val
+                        USER_COLLAB_STATE[cb_chat_id]["step"] = "year"
+                        answer_telegram_callback(cb_id, "Department Selected!", token=bot_token)
+                        yr_keyboard = {
+                            "inline_keyboard": [
+                                [{"text": "1st Year", "callback_data": "cflow_yr_1st Year"}, {"text": "2nd Year", "callback_data": "cflow_yr_2nd Year"}],
+                                [{"text": "3rd Year", "callback_data": "cflow_yr_3rd Year"}, {"text": "4th Year", "callback_data": "cflow_yr_4th Year"}]
+                            ]
+                        }
+                        edit_telegram_message(
+                            cb_chat_id, cb_msg_id,
+                            f"📌 *Step 3 of 4: Select your Year*\n\nDepartment: `{dept_val}`",
+                            reply_markup=yr_keyboard,
+                            token=bot_token
+                        )
+                        continue
+
+                    if cb_data.startswith("cflow_yr_"):
+                        year_val = cb_data.replace("cflow_yr_", "")
+                        if cb_chat_id not in USER_COLLAB_STATE:
+                            USER_COLLAB_STATE[cb_chat_id] = {}
+                        USER_COLLAB_STATE[cb_chat_id]["year"] = year_val
+                        USER_COLLAB_STATE[cb_chat_id]["step"] = "idea"
+                        answer_telegram_callback(cb_id, "Year Selected!", token=bot_token)
+                        
+                        st = USER_COLLAB_STATE[cb_chat_id]
+                        edit_telegram_message(
+                            cb_chat_id, cb_msg_id,
+                            f"📌 *Step 4 of 4: Enter Project Idea & Name*\n\n"
+                            f"🏷️ Tag: `{st.get('tag')}`\n"
+                            f"🏫 Dept: `{st.get('dept')}` | Year: `{year_val}`\n\n"
+                            f"💬 *Now reply to this chat with your details in this format:*\n"
+                            f"`Name: Your Name`\n"
+                            f"`Idea: Building an AI attendance app`\n"
+                            f"`GitHub: https://github.com/...` (optional)\n",
+                            token=bot_token
+                        )
+                        continue
+                
+                # 2. Standard Messages
                 message = update.get("message")
                 if not message:
                     continue
@@ -158,87 +439,227 @@ def telegram_polling_thread():
                 
                 logging.info(f"Received message from chat {chat_id}: '{text}'")
 
+                # Handle /collab Command or structured collab post
+                if text.lower().startswith("/collab") or (chat_id in USER_COLLAB_STATE and USER_COLLAB_STATE[chat_id].get("step") == "idea"):
+                    parsed = parse_collab_text(text)
+                    st = USER_COLLAB_STATE.get(chat_id, {})
+                    
+                    author_name = parsed.get("authorName") or st.get("authorName")
+                    dept = parsed.get("department") or st.get("dept") or "CSE"
+                    year = parsed.get("year") or st.get("year") or "1st Year"
+                    tag = parsed.get("tag") or st.get("tag") or TAG_MAP["1"]
+                    idea = parsed.get("projectIdea")
+                    github = parsed.get("githubLink")
+
+                    if not idea:
+                        tag_keyboard = {
+                            "inline_keyboard": [
+                                [{"text": "🚀 1. Co-develop from scratch", "callback_data": "cflow_tag_1"}],
+                                [{"text": "🧪 2. Beta testers needed", "callback_data": "cflow_tag_2"}],
+                                [{"text": "🌐 3. Open-source contributors", "callback_data": "cflow_tag_3"}]
+                            ]
+                        }
+                        help_msg = (
+                            f"🚀 *Post a Collaboration Request to RIT Dev Hub!*\n\n"
+                            f"Tap a button below to select your project tag, or copy & reply with your details:"
+                        )
+                        send_telegram_message(chat_id, help_msg, reply_markup=tag_keyboard, token=bot_token)
+                        continue
+                    
+                    user_name = message["from"].get("username")
+                    first_name = message["from"].get("first_name", "")
+                    author_display = author_name or first_name or "Student Developer"
+                    contact_display = f"@{user_name}" if user_name else f"Telegram User #{chat_id}"
+                    
+                    payload = {
+                        "authorName": author_display,
+                        "department": dept,
+                        "year": year,
+                        "projectIdea": idea,
+                        "githubLink": github or None,
+                        "tag": tag,
+                        "contactInfo": contact_display,
+                        "telegramChatId": chat_id
+                    }
+                    
+                    try:
+                        res = requests.post(f"{backend_url}/api/collab", json=payload, timeout=10)
+                        if res.status_code in [200, 201]:
+                            resp_msg = (
+                                f"🎉 *Collaboration Request Live on RIT Dev Hub!*\n\n"
+                                f"👤 *Author:* {author_display} ({dept}, {year})\n"
+                                f"📌 *Project Idea:* {idea}\n"
+                                f"🏷️ *Tag:* `{tag}`\n"
+                                f"📱 *Telegram Contact:* {contact_display}\n\n"
+                                f"When other developers apply on the website, you will receive a Telegram message right here to Accept or Decline!"
+                            )
+                            send_telegram_message(chat_id, resp_msg, force_reply=False, token=bot_token)
+                            if chat_id in USER_COLLAB_STATE:
+                                del USER_COLLAB_STATE[chat_id]
+                        else:
+                            send_telegram_message(chat_id, f"❌ Failed to save collab request (Status: {res.status_code})", token=bot_token)
+                    except Exception as e:
+                        send_telegram_message(chat_id, f"❌ Error saving collab request: {e}", token=bot_token)
+                    continue
+
                 # Welcome command
                 if text == "/start":
-                    if chat_id in helpers:
+                    welcome_text = (
-                        welcome_text = (
+                        f"👋 *Welcome to the RIT Chatbot 24/7!*\n\n"
-                            f"👋 *Welcome back, RIT Senior Helper!*\n\n"
+                        f"I can help you answer any questions about RIT Chennai — courses, hostels, transport, sports, and more.\n\n"
-                            f"You are registered as an authorized helper. You will receive new student questions here "
+                        f"🚀 *Developer Collaboration:* Type `/collab` to post your project idea and find co-developers!\n\n"
-                            f"and can reply directly to them to post answers to the Q&A board."
+                        f"💬 *Or just type your question here!*"
-                        )
+                    )
-                    else:
-                        welcome_text = (
-                            f"👋 *Welcome to the RIT Student Assistant Bot!*\n\n"
-                            f"I can help you answer any questions about Rajalakshmi Institute of Technology (RIT Chennai) — "
-                            f"from courses, placements, and hostels, to transport, library hours, and sports.\n\n"
-                            f"💬 *Just type your question here!* (e.g., _What courses are offered?_ or _How do I pay fees online?_)\n\n"
-                            f"_(For Senior Helpers: To receive student Q&A broadcasts here, register your Chat ID `{chat_id}` in config.json)_"
-                        )
                     send_telegram_message(chat_id, welcome_text, force_reply=False, token=bot_token)
                     continue
 
-                # Process reply messages
+                # Direct chat fallback with Go chatbot service
-                reply_to = message.get("reply_to_message")
+                if not text:
-                if reply_to:
+                    continue
-                    # Verify if helper is authorized
-                    if chat_id not in helpers:
-                        logging.warning(f"Unauthorized message from chat ID {chat_id}")
-                        send_telegram_message(chat_id, "⚠️ You are not registered as an authorized helper in config.json.", token=bot_token)
-                        continue
                 
-                    original_message_id = reply_to["message_id"]
+                logging.info(f"Querying Go chatbot service for user {chat_id}: '{text}'")
-                    question_id = get_question_id(chat_id, original_message_id)
+                chatbot_service_url = "http://localhost:8081/api/chat"
-                    
+                try:
-                    if question_id:
+                    res = requests.post(chatbot_service_url, json={"message": text}, timeout=10)
-                        # Extract author name
+                    if res.status_code == 200:
-                        first_name = message["from"].get("first_name", "")
+                        ans_data = res.json()
-                        last_name = message["from"].get("last_name", "")
+                        bot_response = ans_data.get("answer", "I am having trouble processing that question.")
-                        author_name = f"{first_name} {last_name}".strip() or "Senior Helper"
+                        send_telegram_message(chat_id, bot_response, force_reply=False, token=bot_token)
-                        
-                        logging.info(f"Submitting answer for question {question_id} by helper '{author_name}'")
-                        
-                        # Post answer to Spring Boot backend
-                        backend_endpoint = f"{backend_url}/api/questions/{question_id}/answers"
-                        answer_payload = {
-                            "body": text,
-                            "author": author_name
-                        }
-                        try:
-                            res = requests.post(backend_endpoint, json=answer_payload, timeout=10)
-                            if res.status_code == 200 or res.status_code == 201:
-                                send_telegram_message(chat_id, "✅ *Answer posted successfully to the Q&A board!*", reply_to_message_id=message["message_id"], token=bot_token)
-                            else:
-                                send_telegram_message(chat_id, f"❌ *Failed to post answer to backend.* (Status: {res.status_code})\nResponse: {res.text[:100]}", reply_to_message_id=message["message_id"], token=bot_token)
-                        except Exception as e:
-                            logging.error(f"Error calling backend endpoint {backend_endpoint}: {e}")
-                            send_telegram_message(chat_id, f"❌ *Connection error to backend.* ({e})", reply_to_message_id=message["message_id"], token=bot_token)
                     else:
-                        send_telegram_message(chat_id, "❓ This message does not correspond to any active question or the mapping has expired.", reply_to_message_id=message["message_id"], token=bot_token)
+                        logging.error(f"Go chatbot API returned status code {res.status_code}")
-                else:
+                        send_telegram_message(chat_id, "⚠️ The RIT Chatbot service is currently experiencing issues. Please try again later.", force_reply=False, token=bot_token)
-                    # Direct chat with the chatbot service
+                except Exception as e:
-                    if not text:
+                    logging.error(f"Failed to connect to Go chatbot service: {e}")
-                        continue
+                    send_telegram_message(chat_id, "⚠️ I cannot connect to the RIT Chatbot database right now. Please make sure the service is online.", force_reply=False, token=bot_token)
-                    
-                    logging.info(f"Querying Go chatbot service for user {chat_id}: '{text}'")
-                    chatbot_service_url = "http://localhost:8081/api/chat"
-                    try:
-                        res = requests.post(chatbot_service_url, json={"message": text}, timeout=10)
-                        if res.status_code == 200:
-                            ans_data = res.json()
-                            bot_response = ans_data.get("answer", "I am having trouble processing that question.")
-                            send_telegram_message(chat_id, bot_response, force_reply=False, token=bot_token)
-                        else:
-                            logging.error(f"Go chatbot API returned status code {res.status_code}")
-                            send_telegram_message(chat_id, "⚠️ The RIT Chatbot service is currently experiencing issues. Please try again later.", force_reply=False, token=bot_token)
-                    except Exception as e:
-                        logging.error(f"Failed to connect to Go chatbot service: {e}")
-                        send_telegram_message(chat_id, "⚠️ I cannot connect to the RIT Chatbot database right now. Please make sure the service is online.", force_reply=False, token=bot_token)
                         
         except Exception as e:
-            logging.error(f"Error in long polling loop: {e}")
+            logging.error(f"Error in 24/7 chatbot polling loop: {e}")
             time.sleep(5)
 
-# Telegram polling thread will be started inside main()
+# Discord Action View for Collaboration Applications
+class DiscordCollabActionView(discord.ui.View):
+    def __init__(self, application_id: int, applicant_contact: str):
+        super().__init__(timeout=86400)
+        self.application_id = application_id
+        self.applicant_contact = applicant_contact
+
+    @discord.ui.button(label="Accept Collaboration", style=discord.ButtonStyle.success, emoji="✅")
+    async def accept_button(self, interaction: discord.Interaction, button: discord.ui.Button):
+        try:
+            requests.put(f"{BACKEND_URL}/api/collab/applications/{self.application_id}/status?status=ACCEPTED", timeout=5)
+            await interaction.response.send_message(
+                f"✅ **Collaboration Request Accepted!**\nDirect contact details: **{self.applicant_contact}**",
+                ephemeral=False
+            )
+            for item in self.children:
+                item.disabled = True
+            await interaction.message.edit(view=self)
+        except Exception as e:
+            await interaction.response.send_message(f"❌ Error updating status: {e}", ephemeral=True)
+
+    @discord.ui.button(label="Decline Request", style=discord.ButtonStyle.danger, emoji="❌")
+    async def decline_button(self, interaction: discord.Interaction, button: discord.ui.Button):
+        try:
+            requests.put(f"{BACKEND_URL}/api/collab/applications/{self.application_id}/status?status=DECLINED", timeout=5)
+            await interaction.response.send_message("❌ **Collaboration Request Declined.**", ephemeral=False)
+            for item in self.children:
+                item.disabled = True
+            await interaction.message.edit(view=self)
+        except Exception as e:
+            await interaction.response.send_message(f"❌ Error updating status: {e}", ephemeral=True)
+
+async def broadcast_discord_collab_application(application_id: int, project_idea: str, tag: str, applicant_name: str, applicant_dept: str, applicant_year: str, applicant_contact: str, message: str, user_ids: list):
+    formatted_msg = (
+        f"🤝 **New Collaboration Request for your Project!**\n\n"
+        f"📌 **Project Idea:** {project_idea}\n"
+        f"🏷️ **Tag:** `{tag}`\n\n"
+        f"👤 **Applicant:** {applicant_name} ({applicant_dept}, {applicant_year})\n"
+        f"💬 **Message:** {message or 'No message provided'}\n"
+        f"📱 **Contact Info:** {applicant_contact}\n\n"
+        f"Click a button below to respond:"
+    )
+    view = DiscordCollabActionView(application_id, applicant_contact)
+    for user_id_val in user_ids:
+        try:
+            user_id = int(user_id_val)
+            user = await discord_client.fetch_user(user_id)
+            if user:
+                await user.send(content=formatted_msg, view=view)
+                logging.info(f"Sent Discord collab notification DM to user {user_id}")
+        except Exception as e:
+            logging.error(f"Failed to send Discord collab DM to {user_id_val}: {e}")
+
+# Discord Native Interactive UI Components (Modal & Dropdown View)
+class CollabModal(discord.ui.Modal, title="Post Collaboration Request"):
+    author_name = discord.ui.TextInput(label="1) Your Name", placeholder="e.g. Priyan Sharma", required=True)
+    department = discord.ui.TextInput(label="2) Department", placeholder="e.g. CSE / ECE / AIML", required=True, default="CSE")
+    year = discord.ui.TextInput(label="3) Year", placeholder="e.g. 1st Year / 2nd Year", required=True, default="1st Year")
+    project_idea = discord.ui.TextInput(label="4) Project Idea & Details", style=discord.TextStyle.paragraph, placeholder="Describe your project idea and what help you need...", required=True)
+    github_link = discord.ui.TextInput(label="5) GitHub Link (Optional)", placeholder="https://github.com/...", required=False)
+
+    def __init__(self, tag: str):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.selected_tag = tag
+
+    async def on_submit(self, interaction: discord.Interaction):
+        payload = {
+            "authorName": self.author_name.value,
+            "department": self.department.value,
+            "year": self.year.value,
+            "tag": self.selected_tag,
+            "projectIdea": self.project_idea.value,
+            "githubLink": self.github_link.value or None,
+            "contactInfo": f"Discord: {interaction.user.name}",
+            "discordUserId": str(interaction.user.id)
+        }
+        try:
+            res = requests.post(f"{BACKEND_URL}/api/collab", json=payload, timeout=10)
+            if res.status_code in [200, 201]:
+                await interaction.response.send_message(
+                    f"🎉 **Collaboration Request posted live to RIT Dev Hub!**\n"
+                    f"👤 **Author:** {self.author_name.value} ({self.department.value}, {self.year.value})\n"
+                    f"📌 **Project:** {self.project_idea.value}\n"
+                    f"🏷️ **Tag:** `{self.selected_tag}`",
+                    ephemeral=False
+                )
+            else:
+                await interaction.response.send_message(f"❌ Failed to save request (Status: {res.status_code})", ephemeral=True)
+        except Exception as e:
+            await interaction.response.send_message(f"❌ Error connecting to backend: {e}", ephemeral=True)
+
+class CollabTagSelect(discord.ui.Select):
+    def __init__(self):
+        options = [
+            discord.SelectOption(
+                label="Co-developing from scratch",
+                value="looking for co-developing a project from scratch",
+                description="Build a brand new project from scratch together",
+                emoji="🚀"
+            ),
+            discord.SelectOption(
+                label="Beta Testers needed",
+                value="looking for beta testers",
+                description="Test early builds and provide user feedback",
+                emoji="🧪"
+            ),
+            discord.SelectOption(
+                label="Open-Source Contributors",
+                value="looking for Open-source Collaborators/Contributers",
+                description="Open repository seeking PRs and contributors",
+                emoji="🌐"
+            ),
+        ]
+        super().__init__(placeholder="Scroll down to select a tag for your request...", min_values=1, max_values=1, options=options)
+
+    async def callback(self, interaction: discord.Interaction):
+        selected_tag = self.values[0]
+        modal = CollabModal(tag=selected_tag)
+        await interaction.response.send_modal(modal)
+
+class CollabView(discord.ui.View):
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__(timeout=180)
+        self.add_item(CollabTagSelect())
 
 # Discord Bot Client Setup
 intents = discord.Intents.default()
@@ -265,43 +686,19 @@ async def on_message(message):
 
     content = message.content
     if is_mention:
-        # Strip out bot mention tags
         mention_str = f"<@{discord_client.user.id}>"
         mention_nick_str = f"<@!{discord_client.user.id}>"
         content = content.replace(mention_str, "").replace(mention_nick_str, "").strip()
 
-    # Process DM helper replies to active questions
+    # Discord Interactive /collab command
-    if is_dm and message.reference and message.reference.message_id:
+    if content.lower().startswith("/collab"):
-        current_config = load_config()
+        view = CollabView()
-        discord_helpers = current_config.get("discord_helper_user_ids", [])
+        await message.reply(
-        author_id = message.author.id
+            "🚀 **Post a Collaboration Request to RIT Dev Hub!**\n"
-        
+            "Please select a tag from the scroll-down dropdown menu below to open the submission form:",
-        # Check if the author is a registered helper
+            view=view
-        if author_id in [int(x) for x in discord_helpers if str(x).isdigit()]:
+        )
-            original_message_id = message.reference.message_id
+        return
-            question_id = get_question_id(author_id, original_message_id)
-            
-            if question_id:
-                author_name = message.author.name
-                logging.info(f"Submitting Discord answer for question {question_id} by helper '{author_name}'")
-                
-                # Post answer to Spring Boot backend
-                backend_url = os.environ.get("SPRING_BACKEND_URL") or current_config.get("spring_backend_url")
-                backend_endpoint = f"{backend_url}/api/questions/{question_id}/answers"
-                answer_payload = {
-                    "body": content,
-                    "author": author_name
-                }
-                try:
-                    res = requests.post(backend_endpoint, json=answer_payload, timeout=10)
-                    if res.status_code in [200, 201]:
-                        await message.reply("✅ *Answer posted successfully to the Q&A board!*")
-                    else:
-                        await message.reply(f"❌ *Failed to post answer to backend.* (Status: {res.status_code})")
-                except Exception as e:
-                    logging.error(f"Error calling backend endpoint {backend_endpoint}: {e}")
-                    await message.reply(f"❌ *Connection error to backend.* ({e})")
-                return
 
     # Direct query fallback to Go chatbot service
     if not content.strip():
@@ -313,7 +710,6 @@ async def on_message(message):
         def call_chatbot():
             return requests.post(chatbot_service_url, json={"message": content}, timeout=10)
 
-        # Run requests.post in executor to keep the Discord loop non-blocking
         loop = asyncio.get_event_loop()
         res = await loop.run_in_executor(None, call_chatbot)
         
@@ -373,24 +769,40 @@ class QuestionPayload(BaseModel):
     body: str
     author: str
 
+class CollabApplicationPayload(BaseModel):
+    collab_id: int
+    application_id: int
+    project_idea: str
+    tag: str
+    author_name: str
+    contact_info: Optional[str] = None
+    telegram_chat_id: Optional[int] = None
+    discord_user_id: Optional[str] = None
+    applicant_name: str
+    applicant_dept: str
+    applicant_year: str
+    applicant_contact: str
+    message: Optional[str] = None
+
 @app.post("/send_question")
 def send_question(payload: QuestionPayload):
     current_config = load_config()
+    comm_token = os.environ.get("COMMUNITY_BOT_TOKEN") or current_config.get("community_bot_token", COMMUNITY_BOT_TOKEN)
     
-    # 1. Telegram Broadcast
+    # 1. Telegram Broadcast via Senior Helper Community Bot
     telegram_helpers = current_config.get("helper_chat_ids", [])
     telegram_sent = 0
-    if telegram_helpers:
+    if telegram_helpers and comm_token:
-        logging.info(f"Broadcasting question {payload.question_id} to {len(telegram_helpers)} Telegram helpers.")
+        logging.info(f"Broadcasting question {payload.question_id} to {len(telegram_helpers)} Telegram helpers via Senior Bot.")
         formatted_msg = (
             f"❓ *New Student Question!*\n\n"
             f"👤 *Author:* {payload.author}\n"
             f"📌 *Topic:* {payload.title}\n"
             f"📝 *Details:* {payload.body}\n\n"
-            f"💬 *Reply to this message directly to submit your answer.*"
+            f"💬 *Reply to this message directly to submit your answer to the Q&A board.*"
         )
         for chat_id in telegram_helpers:
-            res = send_telegram_message(chat_id, formatted_msg)
+            res = send_telegram_message(chat_id, formatted_msg, force_reply=True, token=comm_token)
             if res.get("ok"):
                 message_id = res["result"]["message_id"]
                 save_mapping(chat_id, message_id, payload.question_id)
@@ -419,15 +831,92 @@ def send_question(payload: QuestionPayload):
         "discord_queued_for": discord_sent
     }
 
+@app.post("/send_collab_application")
+def send_collab_application(payload: CollabApplicationPayload):
+    current_config = load_config()
+    bot_token = os.environ.get("TELEGRAM_BOT_TOKEN") or current_config.get("telegram_bot_token")
+    
+    telegram_sent = False
+    discord_sent = False
+
+    # 1. Telegram Broadcast via 24/7 Chatbot & Collab Bot
+    chat_id = payload.telegram_chat_id
+    if not chat_id:
+        helpers = current_config.get("helper_chat_ids", [])
+        if helpers:
+            chat_id = helpers[0]
+
+    if chat_id:
+        msg_text = (
+            f"🤝 *New Collaboration Request for your Project!*\n\n"
+            f"📌 *Project Idea:* {payload.project_idea}\n"
+            f"🏷️ *Tag:* `{payload.tag}`\n\n"
+            f"👤 *Applicant:* {payload.applicant_name} ({payload.applicant_dept}, {payload.applicant_year})\n"
+            f"💬 *Message:* {payload.message or 'No message provided'}\n"
+            f"📱 *Contact Info:* {payload.applicant_contact}\n\n"
+            f"Click a button below to respond:"
+        )
+        reply_markup = {
+            "inline_keyboard": [
+                [
+                    {"text": "✅ Accept Collaboration", "callback_data": f"collab_accept_{payload.application_id}_{payload.applicant_contact}"},
+                    {"text": "❌ Decline Request", "callback_data": f"collab_decline_{payload.application_id}"}
+                ]
+            ]
+        }
+        res = send_telegram_message(chat_id, msg_text, reply_markup=reply_markup, token=bot_token)
+        if res.get("ok"):
+            telegram_sent = True
+
+    # 2. Discord Broadcast
+    discord_target_users = []
+    if payload.discord_user_id:
+        discord_target_users.append(payload.discord_user_id)
+    
+    config_discord_helpers = current_config.get("discord_helper_user_ids", [])
+    for dh in config_discord_helpers:
+        if str(dh) not in [str(x) for x in discord_target_users]:
+            discord_target_users.append(dh)
+
+    if discord_target_users and DISCORD_TOKEN and discord_loop:
+        try:
+            asyncio.run_coroutine_threadsafe(
+                broadcast_discord_collab_application(
+                    payload.application_id,
+                    payload.project_idea,
+                    payload.tag,
+                    payload.applicant_name,
+                    payload.applicant_dept,
+                    payload.applicant_year,
+                    payload.applicant_contact,
+                    payload.message or "",
+                    discord_target_users
+                ),
+                discord_loop
+            )
+            discord_sent = True
+        except Exception as e:
+            logging.error(f"Error scheduling Discord collab broadcast: {e}")
+
+    return {
+        "status": "success",
+        "telegram_sent": telegram_sent,
+        "discord_sent": discord_sent
+    }
+
 async def run_uvicorn():
     config = uvicorn.Config(app, host="0.0.0.0", port=8082, loop="asyncio")
     server = uvicorn.Server(config)
     await server.serve()
 
 async def main():
-    # Start Telegram long polling thread
+    # Start Senior Helper Community Bot thread
-    polling_thread = threading.Thread(target=telegram_polling_thread, daemon=True)
+    comm_thread = threading.Thread(target=community_bot_polling_thread, daemon=True)
-    polling_thread.start()
+    comm_thread.start()
+
+    # Start 24/7 Chatbot & Collab Bot thread
+    chat_thread = threading.Thread(target=telegram_polling_thread, daemon=True)
+    chat_thread.start()
 
     tasks = []
     if DISCORD_TOKEN: