Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded the scientists who had successfully conducted India's second round of nuclear tests in Pokhran, Rajasthan, on May 11, 1998, when an NDA Government was at the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Using the medium of Twitter on the occasion of National Technology Day, Prime Minister Modi said that these nuclear tests would not have been possible without the stellar work and contributions of the scientists.
"11 May is a very special day in India's history. On this day in 1998 India conducted Nuclear Tests in Pokhran, Rajasthan. When Atal ji announced the success of the Tests the entire nation rejoiced. India once again tested on 13th May," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.
"The Tests were possible due to the stellar work of our scientists. They were a victory of technology," he said in his message on the occasion.
"Atal ji's government showed tremendous courage. It demonstrated the importance of strong leadership," he added.
National Technology Day is regarded as a very special day for Indian technology since 1999. On this day, India achieved a huge technological advancement in the form of the successful test flying of its first indigenous aircraft "Hansa-3" in Bangalore, the successful test firing of the Trishul missile and the execution of three successful nuclear tests at Pokhran in Rajasthan.
On this day, several events are organized at engineering colleges and technical institutes. Lectures, competitions, quizzes, presentations and interactive sessions on different aspects of science are alsoorganized. National Technology recognizes the contributions of scientists, engineers, planners and others engaged in governance and nation building. National Technology awards are also presented to companies and individuals for adopting new technologies by the president of India. The ministry of science and technology coordinates different events.