National Technology Day is observed as a tribute to the contributions of individuals in the field of Science and Technology. It is observed every year on 11th of May. This article highlights the history & significance of ‘National Technology Day’ in India.
THEME FOR 2021 : “Science and Technology for a Sustainable future”
HISTORY
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The day was firstly celebrated on 11th May, 1999.
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The Government of India, declared 11 May as National Technology Day to honor the 5 nuclear tests that were successfully carried out on 11 May 1998.
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The day was named by the former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
EVENTS & CELEBRATION
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Every year, the Technology Development Board of India celebrates the day by awarding the National Award (Awarded by PRESIDENT OF INDIA) to individuals for their contribution to science and technology in India.
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Technology Development Board is a statutory body which functions under the Department of Science of Technology, Government of India.
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TBD also provides financial grants to Indian industrial organizations and other agencies, for commercialization of indigenous technologies or modified use of imported technologies for wider domestic applications.
SIGNIFICANCE
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India successfully conducted nuclear trials in Pokhran on 11th May, 1998.
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India also efficiently test-fired its Shakti-1 nuclear missile in the Pokhran-II operation, which was also codenamed as Operation Shakti and was led by late president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
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The nuclear missile trials were conducted at the Indian Army’s Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan. This was the second test conducted after Pokhran-I and was named Operation Smiling Buddha, in May 1974.
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These nuclear tests were conducted by the Indian Army in alliance with scientists of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMDER).
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On the same day, India executed a successful test firing of the Trishul Missile (surface to air short range missile) and had also test flown the first indigenous aircraft – ‘Hansa – 3’.
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All these operations helped India to become a complete nuclear state. Our country also accomplished the potential to build thermo-nuclear weapons & fission bombs. Since then there has been no turning back in Indian technology.
SOURCES
1. Drishti IAS
2. Byjus IAS
3. Wikipedia