Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the efforts of India’s scientists, engineers, and technicians on Sunday. He shared his appreciation on National Technology Day, which celebrates India’s scientific and technological growth.
Posting on X, Singh said, “On National Technology Day, India salutes the scientists, engineers and technicians who contribute by developing new technologies for bringing positive change in our lives.”
Tribute to Pokhran Nuclear Tests
Rajnath Singh also remembered a key moment in India’s scientific journey. He spoke about the success of the Pokhran nuclear tests conducted in 1998. “We proudly recall the exceptional efforts of our scientists that led to the successful Pokhran tests in 1998. It was a defining moment in India’s history,” he said.
Congress Celebrates India’s Technological Progress
The Congress party also marked the day by recognizing India’s advancements in various fields. In a post on X, the party said, “On National Technology Day, we celebrate India’s remarkable journey of technological advancement. From breakthroughs in science, space, IT, and healthcare to empowering citizens, technology continues to shape India’s growth and aspirations for a brighter future.”
Origin of National Technology Day
India began celebrating National Technology Day in 1999. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee introduced it to honor the scientists and engineers behind the successful Pokhran-II nuclear tests.
India conducted these tests in May 1998 at the Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan. The Indian Army managed the testing site. Scientists like R Chidambaram and APJ Abdul Kalam led the project, while Vajpayee oversaw the operation.
India’s Progress in Digital Technology
India has made major progress in building public digital infrastructure. Some systems have already improved the lives of millions. Others, like the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), are still growing.
ONDC aims to create an open network for buying and selling goods online. It allows people to exchange goods and services freely on the internet without relying on a single platform.
UPI: Transforming Digital Payments
India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has seen massive growth. UPI allows users to make payments instantly through their smartphones. It uses a Virtual Payment Address (VPA) created by the user.
People in India are using digital payments more than ever before. UPI is part of a group of tools that includes Jan Dhan bank accounts, Aadhar identification, and the CoWin vaccination platform. Together, these tools help provide services to citizens faster and more efficiently.
