Table of Contents
National Technology Day 2025 was celebrated yesterday, Sunday, May 11, 2025, across India. This annual event commemorates India’s significant technological achievements and honours the contributions of scientists, engineers, and innovators. The theme of National Technology Day 2025 is “YANTRA – Yugantar for Advancing New Technology, Research & Acceleration.”.
National Technology Day 2025
National Technology Day 2025 is celebrated every year on May 11, marking India’s historical achievements in science and technology. Established in 1999, this day commemorates the anniversary of the successful nuclear tests carried out at Pokhran in 1998 under Operation Shakti that established India as a nuclear power and highlighted its scientific prowess.
To make the Pokhran nuclear test memorable, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a former Indian prime minister, instituted this day. The National Technology Day was first recognised in 1999. Get the overview on National Technology Day 2025 from the table below:
National Technology Day 2023 Overview |
|
Particulars | Details |
Day Observed | National Technology Day |
Observed Date | 11th May (every year) |
Established in the year of | 1999 |
First Celebrate on | 11th May 1999 |
Established under | Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee |
National Technology Day 2025 Theme | “YANTRA – Yugantar for Advancing New Technology, Research & Acceleration” |
Purpose of National Technology Day | For honouring the Indian scientists community, engineers and technologists, who worked for India’s scientific and technological advancement and ensured the successful conduct of Pokhran tests in May 1998. |
National Technology Day 2025 Theme
The theme of National Technology Day 2025 was “YANTRA – Yugantar for Advancing New Technology, Research & Acceleration.” “YANTRA” represents India’s rich scientific past and mechanical genius, and “Yugantar” represents a revolutionary period. Combined, the theme captures India’s shift from technology adoption to being a world leader in technological innovation.
National Technology Day History
Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a former Indian prime minister, created this word to honour the accomplishments of Indian scientists and to recognise the Indian engineers, scientists, and technologists who contributed to the growth of India in the field of science and technology and helped make the Pokhran tests in May 1998 successful.
At an Army test range in Pokhran, Rajasthan, India, successfully fired the Shakti-I nuclear missile on May 11, 1998. Two additional nuclear tests were conducted as part of the same operation in the following days. It allowed India to join the select group of countries with nuclear weapons.
In addition, India tested the Hansa-3, its first indigenous aircraft, on this day from Bengaluru. Following the testing of the Hansa-3, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully test-fired the Trishul missile on May 11, 1998.
Pokhran Nuclear Test 1998
Check the important details about the Pokhran nuclear test below:
- A series of 5 explosions in 1998, under the leadership of APJ Abdul Kalam, is remembered as the Pokhran tests.
- “Smiling Buddha“, India’s first nuclear test, was code-named in 1974.
- On the day when the Pokhran test was successful. It was declared as National Technology Day by PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- The Pokhran Tests were led by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, one of India’s most honourable presidents and also known as the “Missile Man of India.”
National Technology Day Importance
May 11th is remembered as National Technology Day is observed to honour the accomplishments of scientists, engineers, and researchers. National Technology Day honours all those who contribute to the growth of the nation via their efforts in science and technology.
- Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee claimed that India had joined the exclusive Nuclear Club following the Pokhran nuclear tests.
- National Technology Day was declared on May 11 to celebrate the anniversary of the Pokhran nuclear testing in 1998.
- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the former president of India, was the strategist who authorised all of these experiments to be conducted without delay.
- Every year in India, National Technology Day is observed to commemorate this day.
Celebtrations and Initiatives
Nationwide, events to mark this day were organised:
- Seminars and Exhibitions: Seminars and exhibitions to exhibit technological upsurges were hosted by educational institutions and research institutes.
- Awards and Recognition: Innovators and researchers received awards and accolades for innovation in areas such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, space studies, and defence.
Free Press Journal - Public Engagements: Government agencies and technology firms implemented awareness campaigns with the aim of motivating the youth generation towards science.