Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 11 inaugurated a special programme marking National Technology Day 2023 in the national capital.
The programme also marked the commencement of the celebration of the 25th year of National Technology Day, which will be held from May 11-14.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh were also present at the event.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple projects related to scientific and technological advancement in the country, worth more than Rs 5800 crore.
The projects for which the foundation stone was laid include Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory-India (LIGO-India), Hingoli; Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Jatni, Odisha; and Platinum Jubilee Block of Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
The LIGO-India will be one of the handful Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave observatories in the world. It will work in synchronisation with two such observatories operating in the United States.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi said, today India is moving forward in the field of technology with new thinking and a holistic approach. He added that India does not consider technology as a medium to establish its dominance, but a tool for adding momentum to the country’s growth trajectory.
He said, a strong foundation has been laid in the field of science and technology sector in the last nine years. PM Modi also said ‘Atal Tinkering Labs’ are nurturing the seeds of innovation among youngsters.
The celebration of National Technology Day was started by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999 to honour Indian scientists, engineers and technologists, who worked for India’s scientific and technological advancement and ensured the successful conduct of Pokhran tests in May 1998.
Since then, National Technology Day is observed every year on May 11.
It is celebrated with a new and different theme every year. This year’s theme is ‘School to Startups- Igniting Young Minds to Innovate’.
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee recognised this day to honour Indian scientists, technologists and engineers, who tirelessly worked for the country’s scientific and technological advancement – which later resulted in ensuring the successful completion of Pokhran tests in May 1998.
