India recognizes its National Technology Day each year on the 11th of May, a custom initially established on the same date in 1999. This annual celebration is dedicated to acknowledging and appreciating the scientific and technological accomplishments of India’s scientists and engineers. This year, the focus shifts towards “rebooting the economy through science and technology.”
The Origin of National Technology Day
The establishment of National Technology Day can be traced back to the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure. Mr Vajpayee was the one who designated 11th May as the day to honor the noteworthy contributions in the field of science and technology. He recognized the need to celebrate the strides made by Indian professionals in these sectors, hence the inception of this annual observance.
Annual Celebrations of Technological Success
Every year, the Technology Development Board of India, operating under the Ministry of Science and Technology, oversees the celebrations. It’s a statutory body whose primary mandate is to encourage technological progress and innovation. An essential part of this annual event involves recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to science and technology. The board awards these contributors with the prestigious National Award, making the occasion more memorable.
Significance of 11th May
Besides being marked as the National Technology Day, the 11th of May holds other historical significance for India. It’s the anniversary of the successful testing of nuclear bombs in Pokhran conducted on the same date in 1998. India marked its nuclear strength by test-firing its Shakti-1 nuclear missile, a significant operation codenamed Pokhran-II or Operation Shakti.
Historical Milestones
The Shakti-1 testing was carried out at the Indian Army’s Pokhran Test Range situated in Rajasthan. This operation followed Pokhran-I, codenamed Operation Smiling Buddha, which was conducted back in May 1974. The successful execution of Pokhran-II signified a critical milestone in India’s nuclear capabilities.
Notably, the same day also saw other significant technological successes. India successfully fired the Trishul Missile, a short-range surface-to-air missile. Adding to this triumphant day was the test flight of India’s first indigenous aircraft, the ‘Hansa – 3’. Therefore, the 11th of May stands as an emblematic day in India’s scientific and technological history, representing the country’s advancements and the potential for future growth in these sectors.