On this same day, May 11, in 1998, India successfully test fired the Shakti - I nuclear missile at the Indian Army's Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan in an operation led by aerospace engineer and late President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Two days later, the country successfully tested two more nuclear weapons as a part of the same Pokhran - II/Operation Shakti initiative.
It was only after these tests that the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared India a nuclear state, making it the sixth country to join the 'nuclear club' of nations.
Following these tremendous breakthrough achievements by the country's scientists, engineers, and technicians, Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared May 11 as the National Technology Day.
Every year since 1999, the Technology Development Board (TDB) commemorates the day by honouring technological innovations that have added to the nation growth. The board also selects a theme for each year's event, and the 2017 National Technology Day theme is 'Technology for inclusive and sustainable growth'.
Why is National Technology Day so important?
- Instituted in the year 1999, the day holds a great importance of its own as on this particular day, India achieved a huge technological progression.
- India had also tested its first indigenous aircraft 'Hansa - 3' on this day
- After testing Hansa - 3, India had performed a successful test firing of the Trishul missile and had also executed three successful nuclear tests, carried out at Pokhran, in Rajasthan
- On May 11, 1998, India tested five nuclear powered bombs in Pokhran, Rajasthan, to exhibit its defence skills. This is regarded as one of the most significant moments in Indian history.
Source: India Today
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