National Technology Day is observed on May 11 every year to commemorate the technical advances since the nuclear test was conducted in Pokhran in 1988. It is for everyone from all strata of society who are associated with idea generation, innovation, spreading of technical knowledge, and making an impact on society with the help of innovation. It is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the work and achievements of Indian scientists, engineers, and innovators from any field.
Theme
The theme for this year is ‘Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for Sustainable Future’. The theme was launched by Union Minister Jitendra Singh. Shri Ajay Bhatt said the theme emphasizes the significance of the all-around development of science and technology for the progress of a nation.
History
- India achieved a technological breakthrough on 11th May 1988 by successfully carrying out a series of nuclear tests at Pokhran.
- Hansa-3, India’s first indigenous aircraft was tested on this day, and also, India performed a successful firing of the Trishul missile.
- The then Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee pondering on the advancements declared 11th May to be celebrated as National Technology day every year.
Source: Times now news
National Technology Day: PM Modi and a few ministers paid tribute to Indian scientists
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tribute to India’s scientists and their efforts behind the successful nuclear tests in 1998 on the occasion of National Technology Day.
“Today, on National Technology Day, we express gratitude to our brilliant scientists and their efforts that led to the successful Pokhran tests in 1998. We remember with pride the exemplary leadership of Atal Ji who showed outstanding political courage and statesmanship,” Modi said in a tweet.
Raksha Rajya Mantri during National Technology Day at DRDO
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt has called upon the scientific community to make advancements in technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) so that the Nation is prepared to deal with future threats. He was addressing the National Technology Day function conducted by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in New Delhi on May 11, 2022. The Government is making all efforts to meet the defense requirements through domestic procurement, he said, exhorting all sectors of the defense ecosystem to work together to achieve excellence in cutting edge technologies.
The Raksha Rajya Mantri appreciated the efforts of DRDO in establishing a self-reliant R&D ecosystem that provides the Armed Forces with state-of-the-art equipment, according to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. “DRDO has proved itself through design, development, and production of highly-sophisticated weapon platforms/systems. It has enhanced the involvement of the private sector. Due to the design, development, and production of DRDO’s highly-sophisticated weapon platforms, India is now among the top 25 nations exporting defense equipment,” he said.
During the event, the Raksha Rajya Mantri distributed DRDO awards for the year 2019 to the scientific fraternity for displaying outstanding acumen in fulfilling the technological visions of the Nation. The awards category included awards for Life-Time Achievement, Technology leadership, Senior Scientists Awards, Academy Excellence, Techno-Managerial, Self-Reliance, and Performance Awards.
Shri Ajay Bhatt also released two monographs – ‘Endeavors in Self-reliance Defence Research (1983-2018)’ authored by former Director DRDO Dr. KG Narayanan and ‘Concepts and Practices for Cyber Security by former Director General at DRDO Dr. G Athithan. A Defence Technology Spectrum was also released on occasion. The event also witnessed three orations from DRDO scientists on advanced technologies.
In his address, Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr. G Satheesh Reddy congratulated the scientists & technologists and appreciated their contribution toward building a self-reliant defense ecosystem. Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, Space Commission Shri S Somanath; senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and DRDO scientists were among those present on the occasion.
