Highlights
- National Technology Day is celebrated on 11th May every year
- This day is celebrated on the day of testing the nuclear weapon in Pokhran
- This year, the celebrations have been pushed for the coronavirus situation.
The National Technology Day of India celebrates the achievements and contributions made by the Indians to the field of science and technology. This day is a remembrance of India getting into the elite class of atomic giants in the world. The nation had successfully conducted the nuclear tests in Pokhran on this day of 1998. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam led forward these tests. The National Technology Day was first observed on May 11, 1999.
History Of National Technology Day
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared that May 11 is a very significant day for the country. The technological board of development has tried to reach the scientists and engineers on this day and honor their technical innovations. These innovations have helped India to move a step forward in the future. Hence the concept of national technology day began.
Significance
The nuclear tests which were conducted on this day are very significant for India as a nation. The famous aerospace engineer, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, who was also the president of India during that time, gave direction to this project. The mission was carried out with the help of Indian Army in Pokhran. The scientists of the “Defence Research and Development Organisation” or DRDO, “Bhabha Atomic Research Centre” or BARC, and “Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research” or AMDER, were also involved in this project. The tests had proved that India was now ready to build thermonuclear weapons and fission bombs
It is to be noted that on National Technology Day, the indigenous aircraft of India took its first flight. Hansa-1 was the first indigenous aircraft. DRDO also tested the surface-to-air Trishul missile during this time. The short-range missile had a very quick reaction rate as well.
Awards
A large-scale event is usually conducted in New Delhi to honor the scientists who have a good contribution to Indian technological growth. The president is also known for conferring awards for those who have made significant contributions to the field of science. However, this year, due to the situation of the pandemic, it is not quite easy to hold the event. It has been postponed inevitably.
The technological board is responsible for giving away the awards which can cause indigenous development. Commercialization of indigenous technology is also rewarded on national technology day.
Theme
The board is responsible for setting up a different theme every year. The National Technology Day of 2021 was Science and technology for a sustainable future. In 2020, the theme was set to be “Rebooting the Economy with Science technology and Research Translations.” The event was named “RESTART”. It had become quite famous all over the world due to its unique theme and technology news.
A Proud Moment For India
India has definitely made its name in the world of technology throughout recent years. India has always provided the best scientists all over the world. There are several intelligent people who have contributed to the field of science from India. Moreover, artificial intelligence is also gaining popularity over the last few years. All of these together have made this day quite significant for Indian researchers and engineers.
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