Mehwash Hussain | Updated: May 10, 2022 20:56 IST
Technology is a word that has had an impact on everyone’s lives. Nobody has escaped the effects of its creations. Every year, we commemorate ‘National Technology Day’ to recognise the importance of technology in our lives.
Every year on May 11, National Technology Day honours the accomplishments of engineers and scientists in the fields of technology and science. The holiday reminds people of the country’s technical progress. It was initially observed on May 11, 1999, with the goal of honouring Indian scientists and engineers’ scientific and technical achievements.
During the current pandemic, the day is especially significant. Modern technology has emerged as the key to saving human lives today by providing the Covid-19 vaccine.
The second nuclear test in Pokharan, named “Pokharan II,” was the inspiration for National Technology Day. The test took place on May 11, 1998, at the Indian Army’s Pokharan Test Range.
This nuclear test consisted of five separate explosions. The first three were blown on May 11, 1998, with the remaining two following two days later on May 13, 1998. ‘Operation Shakti’ was the name of the operation. Under Prime Minister Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India became a nuclear power with the success of the ‘Pokharan II nuclear test.
Former Indian President Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam led the nuclear test, and the day became so significant for India in terms of technology that the prime minister authorised it “National Technology Day” in India.
Every year, the Technology Development Board (TDB) chooses a topic for National Technology Day, and the theme for National Technology Day 2022 is “Integrated Approach in Science & Technology for Sustainable Future
The main goal of this theme is to foster technological advancement in numerous domains. The Department has also been developing technological development initiatives that comprise materials, equipment, and procedures for this purpose.
To assist technical efforts, several programmes are organised in advanced or developing fields as well as traditional sectors. Fresh ideas or concepts are also evaluated as part of this procedure in order to be employed in the product or technology.
Check out the National Technology Day Quiz here.
India conducted the nuclear test in Pokhran after nearly two years of planning. In September 1972, Indira Gandhi authorised scientists at BARC to explode an indigenously developed nuclear weapon. The test, nicknamed ‘Smiling Buddha,’ took place on May 18, 1974. Because the test was held on Buddha Purnima that year, the name was picked.
After 1974, India conducted nuclear tests in the same area (named the Pokhran-II tests) in 1998, under the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In May 1998, five nuclear explosions were conducted at Pokhran. Every year on May 11, National Technology Day celebrates the anniversary of the Pokhran-II testing.
National Technology Day serves as a reminder of that historic day, making us proud of our country. It was one of India’s biggest achievements, making the day worthwhile to commemorate. This day aims to honour the nation’s youthful technological talents and to encourage them and others to excel in the field of technology.