National Technology Day 2024: Date, theme, history and significance

National Technology Day 2024: The theme for 2024 is 'School to Startups-Igniting Young Minds to Innovate' (Image credit: @SanjayTandonBJP/X)

National Technology Day is celebrated annually on May 11 to commemorate India’s achievements in the science and technology. Over the last few decades, the world has made significant strides in the spheres of science and technology. India has been at the forefront of innovation across different spheres, whether it is medicine or space research. Here is all you need to know about India’s National Technology Day, including its history, significance and celebrations:

National Technology Day is celebrated every year on May 11. This date was chosen to mark the anniversary of the successful nuclear tests conducted at Pokhran on May 11, 1998.

This year, National Technology Day is falling on a Saturday. The theme for National Technology Day 2024 is “School to Startups-Igniting Young Minds to Innovate” – which aims to encourage the younger generation to take up scientific research.

In 1998, the Indian Army conducted successful nuclear tests at Pokhran. The tests, codenamed "Operation Shakti," demonstrated India's capabilities in nuclear technology and made it only the sixth country in the world to possess nuclear weapons.

For the tests, five nuclear devices were detonated underground at the Indian Army's Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan. The devices included four atomic bombs and one hydrogen bomb (also known as a fusion or thermonuclear device). The tests were conducted under then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who announced that May 11 would be celebrated as National Technology Day going forward.

The events at Pokhran on May 11, 1998 marked a milestone for India’s scientific progress and technological prowess. They were celebrated as a demonstration of national strength, establishing India as a nuclear weapons state.

Since then, India has gone from strength to strength. The country’s focus on agriculture and food technology has enhanced food security for millions, it is at the forefront of AI, it has a significant presence in the pharmaceutical industry and recently became one of only five nations to achieve a soft landing on the moon.

National Technology Day aims to celebrate all of India’s achievements in tech so as to encourage more youngsters to work for the country’s scientific progress.

On May 11, the government also announces the winners of the Rashtriya Vigyan Purashkar, or the National Science Awards.