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Every year, the National Technology Day is celebrated in India, with a view to promote technological entrepreneurship and development of cost effective mediums of substantive technology solutions which can be put to use in the Indian context, aiming to alleviate the current issues that the country faces.
Innovators and entrepreneurs across all walks of technology industry are awarded with honour, in celebration of this day. India achieved a significant milestone with the initiation of this day. The day is marked on the 11th of May and has been celebrated each year on this day since the year 1998. On this day, the country seeks to honours the architects of such innovations and entrepreneurs, who bring technology developments
In India, The National Technology Day marks the anniversary of ‘Shakti’ which was the nuclear test, conducted in Pokhran. Five planned detonations were carried out by India during this test out of which one was a fusion bomb while the other four happened to be fission bombs. As a result of these tests, India gained many sanctions from other nations such as the United States and Japan. Shortly after the tests were carried out, the then government, led by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, held a conference to declare India as a full fledged nuclear state. As a mark of reverence to this day, when science allowed our country to take a leap in the race of developing countries, the day is celebrated each year in full swing. Various educational institutions across the country mark the day with the conduct of several events, competitions, quizzes and lectures, all of which, aim to improve the level of awareness about the role of technology in our daily lives.
The day holds an intense significance for all professionals and learners in the field of science, engineering, planning, and many others. The day marks a matter of pride for all citizens of India, which became a part of a nuclear powered country, owing to the tests which were carried out at Pokhran. It is believed that the tests created an earthquake to the magnitude of 5.3, measured on the Richter scale.
The National Technology Day was instituted by the then Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, after the successful completion of the Pokhran Missile test.
It was on the day of 11th May 1998, when India became victorious in firing and testing five nuclear missiles, which were followed by firing of two additional missiles, after two days of the initial test. The operation, which was given several names, including ‘Shakti’, ‘Pokhran II’ and others, was carried out at the Pokhran Test range of the Indian Army in the state of Rajasthan. The operation was administered and given the green flag by the late president and aerospace engineer, Shri APJ Abdul Kalam. It was after the successful firing of these missiles and the completion of these tests that the then Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, declared India as the sixth nation to join the erstwhile five nations in the nuclear club. India also became the first country that was not a party to the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty at that time.
Also, while these tests were being carried out in Pokhran, India also achieved another milestone by launching Hansa – 3, which is India’s most indigenous aircraft till date. It was flown in the state of Bengaluru, and was developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories. This two seater, general aviation place was considered to be a very light flight which could be utilised in flying institutes for the purpose of aerial photography, pilot training and surveillance activities.
Also accomplished on the same day was a test fire of the Trishul missile, which was carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It was hence included in the service of the Indian army and the Indian air force. Trishul was built to be a surface to air, quick reaction missile for short ranges. Before this, the missile was a part of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme of India and it later led to the development of Prithvi, Akash, and the Agni missile systems, which have been instrumental in shaping the defence systems of India.
Every year on the day of 11th May, the Ministry of Science and Technology celebrates the day as the National Technology Day in India. In essence, this day is marked with the celebration of India’s progress in the field of science and technology, scientific inquiry and the integration of the entire industry for the achievement of the goals of technology and science. On this day, the president of India presents the National Technology awards to various individuals and organisations in honour of their contribution to the field of science.
At the same time, the technology and science ministers, also come forward to mark the day with celebration by holding various quizzes and events throughout the country. Students of India are encouraged to pay a visit to various laboratories in the country and this is where they get to learn about the various advances that the country has made in the field of pharmacy, science and technology.
Here is a list of categories under which awards are presented to various achievers.
1. For successful commercialization of indigenous technology.
2. For successful technology commercialization by MSME.
3. For Technology Start-up.
Recently, Dr Harsh Vardhan also launched various initiatives to celebrate the day. These include:
1. Commercial launch of an electric charger- Lithium Ion Battery Chargers- developed by Ampere vehicles Pvt. Ltd (AMPVL) by support of Technology Development Board.
2. Launch of the India, Science, Technology and Innovation web portal, which will have a 360° connect to all the activities of human resources, institutions, students, industry, public and private sector and all the other stakeholders of science and technology ecosystem.
3. Web portal of Survey of India that allows the sharing of the digital map to every citizen of the country, to enable decision making for planning, development and governance.
At present, India estimates a 10% expenditure on the field of research and development out of its entire budget. Although we are slowly advancing in the field of science and technology, yet, we are no where close to the pace of developed nations, when it comes to spending on research and development. Without adequate research and development, India’s dream to become a super power, might remain a dream only.
The day of National Technology on 11th May is not merely a celebration but also a medium for the citizens to realise the current state of India in terms of technology advancement. Here are some of the ways in which people can participate in the day and help in adding awareness about the day.
1. It should be the role of parents to educate their children about the significance of the day and the reason why it is celebrated. This might arouse the interest of their children in the field of science and technology and inspire them to choose it as a career option. Quizzes and games are an apt way to achieve this target while at the same time, parents can also take their children to labs and events to arouse their interest in this field.
2. Museums are a great way to learn more about the history and significance of a day and hence, parents should make it a point to take their children to various museums on these days.
3. News channels can play a significant role in spreading word about the day and educating the audience about the reason why it is celebrated. News channels can be converted into podiums for discussions and events, where the learned minds in this field can come together and educate people about this day.
4. Attempts should be made to circulate print information about the significance of this day and delivering as much information to the people as one can. Print media can effectively cover a variety of topics in this regard, such as science, technology, medicine and much more.
Every year, the responsibility of choosing a theme for the current year’s National technology day is given to the Technology Department Board. This is done by keeping in mind about the various developments in the country and the kind of impact that the theme might have on the people of the nation. Also, it is ensured that the theme is related to the current technological demands and advancements in the country.
Here are some of the past themes that have been issued by the department.
Theme of National Technology Day 2018 is “Science and Technology for a sustainable future.”
Theme of National Technology Day 2017 was “Technology for inclusive and sustainable growth”.
Theme of National Technology Day 2016 was ‘Technology enablers of Start-up India’.
Theme of National Technology Day 2014 was ‘Inclusive Innovation for India’.
Theme of National Technology Day 2013 was “Innovation – making a difference”.
As the day approaches, the theme for the year 2019 will also be released quite soon.
