National Technology Day: History, Significance and Interesting Facts

National Technology Day acts as an important reminder of India's technological advancements. The day is observed on May 11 every year, and celebrates the proud history of the country when India accomplished Shakti-I nuclear missile testing mission at the Indian Army's Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan on this date in 1998.

On the same day India also performed successful test firing of the Trishul Missile and had test flown the first indigenous aircraft - ‘Hansa - 3'. 

This year, the National Technology Day's theme is dedicated to the scientists who are dedicated to come up with a vaccination for the Covid-19. 

In a series of tweets dedicated to the day Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "On National Technology Day, our nation salutes all those who are leveraging technology to bring a positive difference in the lives of others. We remember the exceptional achievement of our scientists on this day in 1998. It was a landmark moment in India's history.

The tests in Pokhran in 1998 also showed the difference a strong political leadership can make, he said.

He added, "Today, technology is helping many in the efforts to make the world free from COVID-19. I salute all those at the forefront of research and innovation on ways to defeat coronavirus."

Interesting Facts About The National Technology Day

The National Technology Day recognises the achievements and contributions of scientists and engineers towards the development of the country. Here are some facts that you should know about this prolific day.

1. The National Technology Day was initiated by late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as as a reminder of India's technological advancements.
2. Every year, since 1999, the Technology Development Board (TBD) has been celebrating the Indian National technology Day by awarding enthusiastic individuals for their commendable scientific contributions to India.
3. The code name of first phase of Operation Shakti was “Smiling Buddha”. It was conducted in May 1974. 
4. The second nuclear test, the phase II of Operation Shakti, conducted in 1998 was also called Pokhran II and was a series of five tests of nuclear bombs, led by the late President Dr Shri APJ Abdul Kalam. After this successful test, PM Vajpayee called India a complete nuclear state.