Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan: CM Blogs on National Technology Day

Published By : Admin | May 11, 2013 | 14:09 IST

Dear Friends,

11th May 1998- this is the day when India scripted a new chapter in its history and gave out a strong message to the world and to all those who questioned our credentials as a nation all set to make the transition to the next century as an emerging Superpower. It was on this day 15 years ago that India conducted Nuclear Tests in Pokhran, Rajasthan. As honorable Atal ji announced the success of the tests, an entire nation rejoiced. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Maharashtra to Manipur, there was a feeling of pride amongst every Indian. Even the Indian community spread across the world erupted with joy!

To commemorate these historic tests, 11th May is celebrated as National Technology Day. I extend my best wishes and greetings to all my fellow countrymen and especially the scientist community on this momentous day.

The tests of 11th May 1998 were possible both due to the stellar work of our scientists and the strong leadership India was blessed with at that point of time. The tests were a victory of technology- to develop such a programme with requisite secrecy is truly a commendable effort. No mention of Pokhran 1998 is complete without extolling the pioneering efforts of our scientists.

Most importantly, tremendous courage was shown by the then Government, headed by respected Atal ji to take the decision of conducting the tests. The BJP-led Government had not even completed two full months in office and yet, on the auspicious day of Buddha Purnima (11th May 1998), the Government took the bold step of testing and making India immensely proud.

After the 11th May 1998 tests, the world community was not amused. They immediately put sanctions on India and tried to isolate us from the world stage. Yet, in only two days, on 13th May 1998, we tested again! More strength was needed to test two days after the first test in an international climate that was not very favourable and this only shows what a strong leadership can do!

When the tests were conducted the nation was ecstatic. But what even a matter of great joy and pride is that the Vajpayee Government ensured that the sanctions do not affect India’s development journey in any way. Such was Honorable Atal ji’s and the Government’s strategy on foreign and diplomatic issues that those nations that were opposed to India testing, gradually developed strong relations with India again. Atal ji won back India’s friends at the world stage yet there was no compromise on principles and national interest. Our inherent strength shined and we moved ahead without any damage to our economy. This was very much a test of our political will and needless to say, we passed the test with flying colours.

Today, on the 15th anniversary of the Pokhran tests, there is a crucial question that we have to answer- how do we become self-sufficient in defence manufacturing? This is not only about military power but also about being self reliant for our own defence equipment. After over 65 years of Independence, why must we still spend thousands of crores of rupees to procure defence equipment from overseas? This is a challenge for our youth, talent pool, scientists- how we can combine our strengths and make India sufficient in defence related manufacturing!

We should think of a larger debate, encourage free flowing of ideas to think of how India can develop human resources in defence manufacturing. Can we create an ecosystem to strengthen our manufacturing? Going a step ahead, we should even think of how we can export defence equipment?

In Gujarat we have made a small effort in this regard. In our engineering colleges we are working towards starting subjects related to defence manufacturing. At the 2013 Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit we organized the ‘International Conference on Defence Offsets’ where there was a very healthy exchange of thoughts and ideas on this field.

Once again, I greet my fellow countrymen on National Technology Day. Let us remember the spirit of Pokhran, celebrate technology and use it to further strengthen our Nation. I am also sharing a video of Atal ji where he talks about the relevance and success of the Pokhran tests.

Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan Jai Vigyan!

Narendra Modi

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2025 – The year of reforms
December 30, 2025

India has emerged as the centre of global attention. This is due to the innovative zeal of our people. Today, the world sees India with hope and confidence. They appreciate the manner in which the pace of progress has been accelerated with next-generation reforms, which are cross-sectoral and amplify the nation’s growth potential.

I have been telling many people that India has boarded the Reform Express.

The primary engine of this Reform Express is India’s demography, our young generation and the indomitable spirit of our people.

2025 will be remembered as a year for India when it focused on reforms as a continuous national mission, building on the ground covered over the past 11 years. We modernised institutions, simplified governance, and strengthened the foundations for long-term, inclusive growth.

We moved ahead decisively…with higher ambition, faster execution and deeper transformation. The reforms have been about enabling citizens to live with dignity, entrepreneurs to innovate with confidence and institutions to function with clarity and trust.

Let me cite a few examples of the reforms undertaken.

GST reform:

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• The purpose is to ensure dispute reduction and better compliance.

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Unparalleled relief for the middle class:

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Boost to small and medium businesses:

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100% FDI Insurance reform:

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Securities Market Reform:

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Maritime and Blue Economy Reforms:

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Jan Vishwas…Ending the Era of Criminalisation:

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Boosting Ease of Doing Business:

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Historic labour reforms:

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Diversified and expanded markets for Indian products:

Trade deals inked with New Zealand, Oman and Britain. These will add to investments, boost job creation and also encourage local entrepreneurs. They reinforce India’s position as a trusted and competitive partner in the global economy.

The FTA with the European Free Trade Association, comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, has been operationalised. This marks India’s first FTA with developed European economies.

Nuclear Energy Reforms:

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This is an opportune moment for investors, innovators and institutions to partner with India, to invest, innovate and build a clean, resilient and future-ready energy ecosystem.

A Landmark reform in Rural Employment guarantee:

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Education Reforms:

Bill has been introduced in Parliament. 

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These reforms were designed with empathy, recognising the realities of small businesses, young professionals, farmers, workers and the middle class. They were shaped by consultation, guided by data and anchored in India’s constitutional values. They add momentum to our decade-long efforts to move away from a control-based economy to one that operates within a framework of trust, keeping the citizen at its core.

These reforms are aimed towards building a prosperous and self-reliant India. Building a Viksit Bharat is the polestar of our development trajectory. We will continue pursuing the reform agenda in the coming years.

I urge everyone in India and abroad to deepen their bond with the India growth story.

Keep trusting India and investing in our people!