Since 1999, 11th May is commemorated as the National Technology Day to mark India’s scientific prowess and technological advancements. It was obvious to choose 11th May, as it was on the same date in 1998, India successfully conducted first among the five series of nuclear tests in Pokhran under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The tests showcased India’s might to the entire world.
Recalling the stellar contributions made by India’s scientists in the Pokhran tests, Shri Narendra Modi says in one of his speeches, “The world is well aware of the Pokhran tests. Under Atal ji’s leadership, successful tests were carried out and the entire world was witness to India’s might. The scientists made the nation proud.”
Recalling the instance, Shri Modi further opines, “After the first series of tests the world community placed sanctions on India. On 13th May 1998, Atal ji again called for tests, thus showing that he was made of a different mettle. If we had had a weak PM, he or she would have got scared on the same day. But Atal ji was different. He did not get scared.”
Lauding the role people of Pokhran played by keeping silent during the nuclear tests, Shri Modi says, “People of Pokhran must be lauded for maintaining silence during entire duration when the tests were planned and conducted. They placed interest of the nation above everything else.”
