National Technology Day is celebrated on May 11 each year to honour the contributions made by India’s scientific community including scientists, researchers and engineers.
The significance of the date lies in the series of technological advancements the country achieved on the day decades earlier.
National Technology Day 2022 theme
The Board also decides a theme for National Technology Day each year. The theme for 2022 is “Integrated Approach in Science & Technology for Sustainable Future”. The theme was launched by Union Minister Jitendra Singh.
National Technology Day 2022 history
As multiple technological advancements were accomplished on May 11, the Indian government declared it as National Technology Day which was officially signed by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The first National Technology Day was observed in 1999.
On May 11, 1998, India joined those group of countries that hold nuclear weapons as it successfully carried out nuclear tests at the army’s Pokhran test range in Rajasthan. In fact, it became the sixth country to join the ‘Nuclear Club’.
The tests were led by the late A P J Abdul Kalam, an aerospace scientist who went on to become India’s eleventh President. The tests were the second instance of nuclear testing in India after the first, code-named “Smiling Buddha”, in 1974.
On the same day in 1998, India tested its first indigenous aircraft Hansa-3 which took off its flight in Bengaluru. The aircraft was meant for surveillance, pilot training, and other reconnaissance purposes. The day also saw the successful test firing of the surface-to-air missile Trishul.
Eventually government announced this day as National Technology Day.
National Technology Day 2022 celebration
Since then, the Technology Development Board (TDB)—a statutory body within the Department of Science and Technology at the Centre—has been celebrating the day by honouring technological innovations that have added to the national growth.
Each year the Board organises an event where the President of India confers awards to scientists for their contributions. Various seminars and workshops are also held.
National Technology Day Messages
“Let always remember Shakti which marked an important milestone in the journey of technological advancement of India…. Best wishes on National Technology Day.”
“National Technology Day will always be a proud day for every Indian and we must celebrate this special occasion with high spirits.”
“On the occasion of National Technology Day¸ I wish that India always keep moving ahead in becoming a strong nation in technology and also otherwise.”