On the occasion of National Technology Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised India’s scientific community and remembered the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests as a defining moment in the country’s technological journey. In a post on X, he said the successful tests reflected India’s scientific excellence, dedication, and unwavering commitment to national progress.
National Technology Day is observed today, May 11, to pay tribute to Indian scientists, engineers, and technologists who contributed to the nation’s scientific and technological progress and played a key role in the successful Pokhran tests. The observance of National Technology Day was initiated in 1999 by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and has been celebrated every year since then.
PM Narendra Modi also said, “Technology has become a key pillar in building a self-reliant India. It is accelerating innovation, expanding opportunities, and contributing to the nation’s growth across sectors. Our continued focus remains on empowering talent, encouraging research, and creating solutions that serve both national progress and the aspirations of our people”.
He emphasized that the Government of India remains committed to nurturing talent, promoting research, and creating practical solutions.
In May 1998, India carried out Pokhran-II, a series of five nuclear detonations, at the Indian Army’s Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan. The operation was supervised by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and led by key scientists, including R. Chidambaram and A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.
Reflecting on this historic milestone, the Prime Minister added that the nuclear tests carried out in Pokhran on this day in 1998 showcased India’s remarkable capabilities to the world. He praised the scientists as the real architects of the nation’s pride and dignity.
In a series of posts on X, the Prime Minister wrote: “Greetings on National Technology Day. We recall with pride the hard work and dedication of our scientists, which led to the successful tests in Pokhran in 1998. That landmark moment reflected India’s scientific excellence and unwavering commitment.