New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests reflected India’s scientific excellence and unwavering commitment,
as he greeted citizens on the occasion of National Technology Day. The day is also the day of successful nuclear testing done by the ISRO in Pokhran, Rajasthan, on May 11 and 13, 1998.
In a post on X, PM Modi said the landmark achievement showcased the dedication and hard work of Indian scientists. He further stated that in terms of creating opportunities, driving innovation and bolstering growth in various sectors, technology has emerged as an important driver to build a self-reliant India.
PM Modi praises scientists on National Technology Day
“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,” PM Modi said in his message on X.
The Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to nurturing talent, fostering research and innovation, and creating solutions that drive the country’s progress. He termed scientists the “true architects of the nation’s pride and self-respect.”
The Pokhran tests, according to the PM, brought the world to know the technological and scientific capabilities of India. The feat is still a milestone in the nation’s march to strategic and technological power, he said.
Pokhran-II tests marked a major milestone
In May 1998, India conducted five ground-based nuclear tests in the Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan under the code name ‘Operation Shakti’. First, three simultaneous tests were conducted on May 11 at 3.45 PM IST, while two more tests were conducted on May 13.
The tests proved India’s ability to build fission and thermonuclear weapons. The operation was led by renowned scientist Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, and scientists from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) participated in the team.
The successful tests made India the sixth nation in the world to gain the ability to make nuclear weapons, giving India a bigger strategic profile in the world.
National Technology Day and India’s scientific achievements
Every year on May 11 is observed as National Technology Day to mark the achievements of science and technology in India. In 1999, due to the success of the Pokhran-II test, the day was officially declared by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Other than the nuclear tests, on May 11, 1998, Indian technology and defence got other big milestones as well. On the same day, India’s first indigenous aircraft, the Hansa-3, was successfully test flown in Bengaluru. The DRDO also test-fired the Trishul surface-to-air missile successfully.
This day is celebrated to commemorate the contributions of the scientists, engineers, researchers and innovators who have made significant contributions to the development of the technological capabilities of India.
Focus on innovation and self-reliance
‘Technology is driving India’s path towards self-reliance and its contribution in enhancing life in various sectors,’ said PM Modi. He emphasised the need for investing in research, innovation and talent development.
The National Technology Day also brings to the fore the importance of science and innovation in the development of the nation. The day celebrates the achievements of India in various fields like defence, aerospace, healthcare, communication and other emerging fields and instills the spirit of technological advancement among the future generations.
