National Technology Day is celebrated every year on May 11 to commemorate the achievements of scientists, researchers, engineers and all others involved in the field of science and technology.

The day reminds the countrymen about the technological advancements made by India over the years.

The first national Technology Day was observed on May 11, 1999, and the day was chosen because on this day India successfully broke into the elite group of countries with nuclear weapons.

It may be mentioned here that on May 11, 1998, India successfully conducted three nuclear tests at the Indian Army’s Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan.

These tests were conducted under operation Shakti and after two days, two more tests were conducted on May 13.

All the tests were led by the former president late APJ Abdul Kalam and the mission was carried out by the Indian Army along with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMDER).

The Pokhran tests were India’s second instance of nuclear testing after the first test, code-named “Smiling Buddha”, in 1974

It's worth mentioning here that on May 11, 1998, India also tested its first indigenous aircraft Hansa-3 which was designed by the National Aerospace Laboratory and took flight in Bengaluru.

Hansa-3 was a light two-seater aircraft built to serve surveillance, pilot training, and other reconnaissance purposes.

Moreover, May 11 also witnessed the successful completion of the test-firing of India’s surface-to-air missile Trishul.

The tests were conducted by the (DRDO) under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme of India. It was inducted into the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

With the accomplishment of all these technological advancements, the Indian government decided to declare the day as National Technology Day.

On this day, the Ministry of Science and Technology organises various seminars and workshops, which is based on a particular theme.

The theme for the National Technology Day 2021 is Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future, while the theme for 2020 was Rebooting the Economy through Science, Technology and Research Translations.

On this day, the Technology Development Board of the ministry honours technological innovations that have helped in the national growth.

The President of India is the chief guest every year and he confers the awards to scientists for their contributions.

Appreciating the hard work and tenacity of the scientists and innovators on the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet said, "On National Technology Day, we salute the hard work and tenacity of our scientists and those passionate about technology."

"We remember with pride the 1998 Pokhran Tests, which demonstrated India's scientific and technological prowess," he said.