Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates projects worth over Rs 5,800 crore, marking the 25th celebration of National Technology Day.
As the country marked the 25th year celebration of National Technology Day on May 11, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated several significant scientific and technological projects in India. The cumulative value of these projects, launched during the National Technology Day program in Delhi, amounts to over Rs 5,800 crore, signalling a new era of investment in the nation’s scientific pursuits.
A Celebration of Science and Technology
The National Technology Day program, scheduled from May 11 to May 14, witnessed the presence of distinguished leaders including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh. This event not only marked the commencement of the celebration but also underlined the nation’s commitment to enhancing its scientific and technological capabilities.
The Projects on the Anvil
Among the significant projects inaugurated were the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory-India (LIGO-India) in Hingoli, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Jatni, Odisha, and the Platinum Jubilee Block of Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai.
LIGO-India
LIGO-India, a groundbreaking project, will put India at the forefront of gravitational wave astronomy, an emerging field that holds the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the universe.
Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre
The establishment of the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Jatni, Odisha, is another significant stride in improving the healthcare infrastructure of the country. It underscores the government’s commitment to combating cancer, one of the most prevalent diseases in the nation.
Platinum Jubilee Block of Tata Memorial Hospital
The inauguration of the Platinum Jubilee Block of Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai further reinforces India’s commitment to healthcare and medical research. It also marks a milestone in the journey of the Tata Memorial Hospital, one of the country’s leading cancer care facilities.
A Day of National Significance
The National Technology Day, initiated by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999, serves as a tribute to Indian scientists, engineers, and technologists who have contributed to the nation’s scientific and technological progress. The day also commemorates the successful execution of the Pokhran tests in May 1998, a pivotal moment in India’s nuclear programme.
Since its inception, National Technology Day has been observed every year on May 11, celebrating the spirit of scientific inquiry and technological innovation that characterizes the nation. As we embark on the 25th year of these celebrations, the launch of these landmark projects signifies a promising future for India’s scientific and technological endeavours.
In the words of PM Narendra Modi, “Science is the cornerstone for progress and prosperity. The nation that leads in science will lead the world.” This sentiment echoes through the events of National Technology Day, reflecting India’s aspiration to be a global leader in science and technology. The projects inaugurated today are not just infrastructural developments; they are a testament to India’s quest for knowledge, its resilience in the face of challenges, and its unflinching commitment to progress.