National Technology Day

National Technology Day is celebrated annually on 11 May, to commemorate the technological advances and events that took place on that day in 1998.

India became the sixth nuclear country (others are US, Russia, UK, France, and China) on that day by successfully testing the Shakti-I nuclear missile as a part of “Operation Shakti” at Pokhran, in Rajasthan.

While nuclear tests were underway at Pokhran, the first indigenous aircraft “Hansa – 3” successfully had a flight in Bangalore. It was mainly intended for pilot-training developed by National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), a lab of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

The day saw another breakthrough by accomplishing the final test-fire of the “Trishul” missile. It was a quick reaction Surface-To-Air (SAM) missile inducted by the Air Force and Army.

By witnessing the colossal accomplishments on that day, the then Prime Minister of India, AB Vajpayee, declared 11 May as National Technology Day. 

Since 1999, the Technology Development Board (TDB) has celebrating this special day by honouring the individuals, institutions and others whose innovations and programs led to the development of technology in India. Central and State Governments, educational institutions, research organisations create awareness and promote science and technological insights among the students and children by organising science fairs and technical symposiums.