India celebrates National Technology Day every year on May 11. The day signifies the moment in India’s history when it transcended from a ‘third world country’ to a ‘nuclear power’. It was on this day in 1998 that India successfully conducted nuclear tests in Pokhran.
The momentous occasion marked India’s technological advancement. The success of the test was rightfully awarded to the scientists of the country and the May 11 was announced as the National Technology Day. Let us look at a brief history of Pokhran II Nuclear Tests.
Pokhran & Operation Shakti: A Defining Moment for India
The generation today sees India as a Nuclear Power – which essentially means that India possesses nuclear weapons. But what most of the children or young generation does not understand is why was it such a big achievement.
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India in 1990’s was far from the India of today. Technologically, India was seen as a laggard state, much behind the west and other developed nations. The reason was also largely strategic on the part of the various world powers. One of the simple reasons why was to ensure the country depended on other more developed nations for its basic needs – especially defence. Nuclear power was a bigger concern.
Amidst the refusal to share relevant technology and constant monitoring, India successfully conducted 5 nuclear tests in Pokhran, Rajasthan between May 11 and May 13, 1998. With these tests, India announced to the world that India was capable of developing both fission and thermonuclear weapons. Atal Bihar Vajpayee was the Prime Minister of India at the time.
The tests marked India’s entry into the nuclear elite of the world – nuclear armed countries. It also stamped India’s technological and scientific commitment to the development of the nation. Self-reliance on technology and defence also marked an important economic achievement for the country. Due to the momentous implications of the same, the day was chosen to be celebrated as National Technology Day in the country.
Standing Tall and Growing Stronger
There were many political deterrents – both internal as well as external. In fact, soon after the tests, USA and Japan announced sanctions against the country. However, the tests signified India’s resolve to safeguard national interests and security and were received with renewed optimism by the people of the nation.
National Technology Day: Celebrating Scientific Excellence
Today, India celebrated the memory of its first decisive step towards technological prowess in the world arena. Surrounded by giants, India boldly stepped up and announced its commitment to technology.
Today, the country has created a name for itself when it comes to space technology, information technology and even biotechnology. And it continues to grow. The recent conflict between India and Pakistan further underline the importance of continuing research and development within the sector. As the country sat and applauded the brave armed forces of our country, a silent but sure salute also goes to the scientists of the country.
Let us today, educate our children about the scientists that have built our nation and inspire them to continue on their footsteps.