On May 11, 2025, India celebrated National Technology Day, a day dedicated to honoring the remarkable contributions of its scientists, engineers, and technicians. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to social media platform X to express his gratitude, stating, "On National Technology Day, India salutes the scientists, engineers, and technicians who contribute by developing new technologies for bringing positive change in our lives." Singh also reflected on a pivotal moment in India's history—the successful Pokhran nuclear tests conducted in 1998, which established India as a nuclear power.
The Pokhran tests, officially known as Operation Shakti, were a significant milestone for the country and are commemorated every year on this day. Singh emphasized the importance of these tests, saying, "We proudly recall the exceptional efforts of our scientists that led to the successful Pokhran tests in 1998. It was a defining moment in India’s history." This year marks the 27th anniversary of those tests, which took place at the Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan under the leadership of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, with key scientific figures like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Dr. R. Chidambaram playing crucial roles.
National Technology Day was officially declared in 1999 to honor not only the success of the Pokhran tests but also to celebrate the broader spectrum of India’s technological achievements. The day serves as a reminder of the nation’s journey toward scientific advancement and innovation. The Congress party also extended its wishes, highlighting India's remarkable journey of technological development. In a post on X, the party stated, "On National Technology Day, we celebrate India’s remarkable journey of technological advancement. From breakthroughs in science, space, IT, and healthcare to empowering citizens, technology continues to shape India’s growth and aspirations for a brighter future."
This year, the theme for National Technology Day is "Innovate for a Sustainable Future," which underscores the role of science and technology in addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, clean energy, and digital inclusion. The Technology Development Board (TDB) of the Ministry of Science and Technology selects a theme each year that reflects the country's priorities and goals.
In recent years, India has made significant strides in developing digital public goods infrastructure, with initiatives such as the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The ONDC aims to promote open-source networks for exchanging goods and services online, while UPI has become a flagship instant payment solution, enabling round-the-clock transactions through a Virtual Payment Address (VPA). The adoption of digital payments has surged in India, showcasing the country’s commitment to digital transformation.
National Technology Day also serves as an occasion to recognize outstanding contributions in various fields of science and technology. The Indian government confers several awards, including the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, to honor scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs for their significant achievements. Awards such as the Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, and Vigyan Yuva are given to individuals and teams that have made exceptional contributions to the field.
As the nation continues to evolve into a global hub for innovation, National Technology Day emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of research and development. Educational institutions, government bodies, and tech companies across India organize seminars, exhibitions, and awareness campaigns to inspire future generations to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
India's recent technological advancements include indigenous development in missiles, aircraft, and cybersecurity systems, as well as successful space missions by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) such as Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and the Gaganyaan program. The country has also made notable progress in renewable energy, electric mobility, and sustainable agriculture.
Reflecting on the significance of National Technology Day, Girish Hirde, Global Delivery Head at InfoVision, remarked, "Technology today is not just about breakthroughs; it's about outcomes. As enterprises embrace the possibilities of AI, the focus must stay on delivering measurable value." Alok Nigam, Managing Director of Brother International India, added, "National Technology Day is not just about celebrating breakthroughs; it’s about understanding their impact. Today, innovation must be both smart and sustainable."
The day also serves to inspire young minds to engage in scientific pursuits, thereby contributing to India's knowledge economy. By nurturing a sense of national pride in scientific and technical achievements, National Technology Day aims to motivate individuals, companies, and lawmakers to adopt eco-friendly practices and create technological advances that enable a greener planet.
In conclusion, National Technology Day is more than just a commemoration of past achievements; it is a platform for future innovations and a celebration of the spirit of inquiry and creativity that drives India’s technological landscape. As the country continues to forge ahead in the realms of science and technology, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of innovation in building a better and self-reliant nation.
