National Technology Day is celebrated on May 11 every year to commemorate the achievements of scientists, researchers, engineers and all others involved in the field of science and technology. It’s a day to remind Indians about the technological advancements made by the country.
The day was first observed on May 11, 1999. The day was chosen because on this day India successfully broke into the elite group of countries with nuclear weapons. On 11 May 1998, India successfully conducted three nuclear tests at Indian Army’s Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan. The tests were conducted under operation Shakti. Two more nuclear tests were conducted on May 13. All the tests were led by the late A P J Abdul Kalam, who went on to become India’s eleventh president. The mission was carried out by Indian Army along with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMDER).