On May 11, 2025, India celebrated National Technology Day, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorating the occasion by recognizing the country's scientific achievements and reaffirming its commitment to innovation and self-reliance. The Prime Minister paid tribute to the scientists and the landmark 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests, emphasizing their pivotal role in India's growth.
In a post on X, PM Modi conveyed his best wishes and expressed pride in the nation's scientists, highlighting the Pokhran tests as a defining moment in India's pursuit of self-reliance. He asserted that India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in diverse technological fields, including space exploration, artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and green technology. He also stated the government's dedication to empowering future generations through investments in science and research, emphasizing technology's role in uplifting humanity and securing the nation.
National Technology Day commemorates the significant events of May 11, 1998, when India conducted successful nuclear tests under Operation Shakti and witnessed the maiden flight of the indigenously developed Hansa-3 aircraft. These accomplishments led then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to declare May 11 as National Technology Day, recognizing India's growing prowess in science and technology.
The 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests, spearheaded by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and scientists from DRDO and BARC, including Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, marked a turning point in India's scientific journey. These tests not only demonstrated India's nuclear capabilities but also positioned the nation as a technologically advanced player on the global stage.
Echoing the Prime Minister's sentiments, tech leaders have emphasized that National Technology Day serves as a potent reminder of India's increasing strength in the technology sector. They underscored the importance of innovation, sustainability, and self-reliance in building a brighter and smarter future for India while addressing the evolving needs of consumers.
This year’s theme for National Technology Day is "YANTRA – Yugantar for Advancing New Technology, Research & Acceleration”. The word "YANTRA," rooted in India's scientific and cultural heritage, signifies not only mechanical ingenuity but also the symbolic power of systems and scalable solutions. "Yugantar," meaning an epochal shift, represents the country's transition from technology adaptation to global technology leadership.
India's technological advancements extend beyond defense and quantum research, with a concerted effort to achieve self-reliance in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and telecommunications. Initiatives such as the development of semiconductor fabrication plants under the SPECS scheme aim to reduce import dependence and stimulate domestic manufacturing and employment.
Furthermore, the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications aims to develop indigenous 50-qubit quantum processors by 2030, fostering industry collaborations and spearheading advancements in quantum communication, computing, and materials.
National Technology Day serves as an occasion to honor scientific excellence, showcase industrial innovations, and strengthen the partnership between science, society, and industry. The celebrations include gatherings of policymakers, scientists, technocrats, industry leaders, academic institutions, and startup founders to discuss strategies for accelerating India's technological progress through deep-tech, precision engineering, and transformative R&D.
