National Technology Day - History, Significance, Theme

National Technology Day, celebrated on 11th May in India, highlights the achievements of tech giants, researchers, and engineers in technology in our country. The former Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee established National Technology Day in 1999 to commemorate the Pokhran nuclear test.

India has witnessed explosive growth, thanks to the contribution of technological advancements. National Technology Day is the perfect occasion to acknowledge the effort of scientists and engineers as growth drivers.

National Technology Day 2023

On 11th May 1999, National Technology Day was first celebrated in India to honor people working in the field of technology and highlight their achievements. The Council for Technology Development organized the first National Technology Day in the presence of then-Pm, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

This day also commemorates the five Pokhran nuclear tests done by the Indian Army in May 1998 to determine the power of the bombs. Find more about National Technology Day from the table shared below.

Who Declared 11th May as National Technology Day

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India, declared 11th May as National Technology Day in India. This was to commemorate the Pokhran nuclear tests conducted by the Indian Army in Pokhran, Rajasthan, in 1998. The Council for Technology announced that the country would celebrate National Technology Day annually to commemorate the dynamic achievement.

About Pokhran Nuclear Test

To understand the significance of National Technology Day, first, understand the Pokhran nuclear tests of 1998. We have shared all the important details about this test here.

• Pokhran tests were a series of 5 explosions conducted by the Indian Army Pokhran Test Range in 1998.
• After the first nuclear testing, code-named 'Smiling Budha' in 1974, India's second nuclear testing Pokhran was thoroughly governed.
• The date of the nuclear tests was marked as National Technology Day in India.
• One of India's most Honorable Presidents Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, also known as the 'Missile Man of India', spearheaded the Pokhran Tests.

India National Technology Day - Significance

National Technology Day is celebrated every year on 11th May to celebrate the achievements of scientists, engineers and researchers. People who work in science and technology ultimately lead to the growth of the country and National Technology Day is about honoring all such people.

• After the Pokhran nuclear tests, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared that Indians joined the elite Nuclear Club.
• Therefore, the anniversary of the Pokhran nuclear tests (1998) was marked as National Technology Day and this day is celebrated on 11th May.
• Operation Shakti was the Code Name for all 5 nuclear tests conducted by India.
• The mastermind who gave the green signal to perform all these tests without any interruption was given by India's former president Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
• To remember this day, National Technology Day is celebrated every year in India.

National Technology Day - History

The history of Indian National Technology Day can be traced back to 1998 when then-PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared the day. This day commemorates the key event of the Pokhran nuclear tests that the Indian Army conducted in 1998. Here is more about the history of National Technology Day.

• The person who led the Pokhran tests was the Former President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Being an engineer himself, he led all the tests conducted in Pokhran.
• The success of the tests led to the establishment of National Technology Day.
• Today, this day honors the achievements of everyone working in the sphere of science and technology.

National Technology Day 2023 Theme

Every year, a new theme is announced on National Technology Day. The events for the day are based on the same theme. The National Technology Day 2023 theme is yet to be announced. Generally, the theme revolves around exploring science and technology concepts.

Last year, the National Technology Day 2022 theme was “Integrated Approach in Science and technology for a sustainable future”. This year’s theme is expected to be on similar lines.

How to Celebrate National Technology Day?

India celebrates National Technology Day widely. Here are some ways people like to celebrate this day and honor the achievements of great scientists and engineers:

• The government organizes events and talks to discuss the future of science and technology.
• Schools and colleges organize numerous events on National Technology Day to give students the opportunity to display their knowledge and talent.
• People can participate in National Technology Day by sharing relevant information on social media about science and technology.

FAQs on National Technology Day

Q1. When is National Technology Day?

National Technology Day is celebrated on 11th May in India every year. This day commemorates the anniversary of the Pokhran nuclear test and honors the efforts of all scientists and engineers who made the test successful.

Q2. Who declared 11th May as National Technology Day?

Former Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared 11th May as National Technology Day in 1998, after the success of the Pokhran nuclear tests. As a result, the first National Technology Day was celebrated on 11th May 1999.

Q3. What is the theme of National Technology Day 2023?

National Technology Day 2023 theme is yet to be announced. The government of India announces a new theme for this day each year. This day highlights the importance of technology in driving the growth of the nation.

Q4. Why is National Technology Day observed?

We observe National Technology Day to honor the achievements of all engineers and scientists. We also celebrate this day because it commemorates the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear testing conducted by the Indian Army. Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared 11th May as National Technology Day after the successful testing.

Q5. How is National Technology Day celebrated in India?

An event is usually organized in India's capital, Delhi, to celebrate National Technology Day. This event is held near the India Gate, where the president and other political leaders are invited as chief guests. The president confers the awards to researchers, analysts, physicists, and scientists and praises them for their successful inventions and achievements.

Q6. What was the National Technology Day 2022 theme?

National Technology Day 2022 theme was “Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for Sustainable Future.” This theme was decided by the government and all the events in New Delhi revolved around the theme on National Technology Day.