Announcements
National Technology Day 2020
11-05-2020
Every year, May 11 is observed as National Technology Day. This day marks the anniversary of Pokhran nuclear tests of 1998 and India’s technological advancements in space. Pokhran nuclear tests were a series of five nuclear bomb test explosions conducted by the Indian Army at the Pokhran Test Range. It is also celebrated to honour technological advancements and their successful commercialisation which takes the fruits of research to reach people at large.
History of National Technology Day
On May 11, 1998, India successfully fired an Operation Shakti missile at the Indian Army’s Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan. This was the first among the five nuclear tests in Pokhran. The Test was led by late aerospace engineer and President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Later, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Bajpayee declared India as a nuclear state. This made India the sixth country to join the nuclear club of nations. Hence, in India, since 1999, May 11 is celebrated as National Technology Day.Operation Shakti was the second time when India conducted a nuclear test.The first instance was in 1974 and was named ‘Smiling Buddha’.
Significance of National Technology Day
The aim to celebrate National Technology Day is to highlight the achievements of our scientists and engineers in the field of science and technology. Every year National Technology Day highlights the importance of Science in our daily lives. It was launched to encourage students to opt for science as an option for a career.
Apart from testing missiles, the Defense Research and Development Organization also accomplished the last test-fire of the Trishul missile which was introduced by the Indian Air Force and the Indian army.
The first indigenous aircraft HANSA-III took its maiden flight on this day.The two seater trainer aircraft was designed and built by National Aerospace Laboratores,Bangalore.
Based on these immense breakthrough achievements by the engineers, scientists and technicians of the country, Atal Bihari Vajpayee announces May 11 as National Technology Day. Every year, the Ministry of Science and technology set a theme for national Technology day as a symbol of creativity and scientific inquiry.
Theme for 2020
National Technology Day focuses on rebooting the economy through Science and Technology.
Themes of Previous Years
2019:Science and Technology for a sustainable Future
2018:Commercialising Indigenious Technologies:Journey from beachside to Business Programme
2017: Technology for an inclusive and sustainable Growth
2016:Technology Enablers of Startup India
Celebrated as a symbol of the quest for scientific inquiry and technological creativity, and their translation into the integration of science, society, and industry, the National Technology Day sees the Technology Development Board confer National Awards to the most noteworthy individuals, institutions, and businesses of the year. It is a large-scale event which sees the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Bio-Technology, the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, and several other scientific departments.
