India today celebrates National Technology Day, observed annually on May 11 to honor the nation's scientific breakthroughs and the innovators driving them. The day was officially declared by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999 to commemorate the historic Pokhran-II nuclear tests, codenamed Operation Shakti, conducted in 1998. This achievement not only established India as a nuclear-capable nation but also signaled its refusal to be constrained by international technological barriers.
Significance of National Technology Day
Today, the day serves as a platform to honor the contributions of scientists, researchers, and innovators. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared greetings on the occasion. "Greetings on National Technology Day. We recall with pride the hard work and dedication of our scientists, which led to the successful tests in Pokhran in 1998. That landmark moment reflected India's scientific excellence and unwavering commitment. Technology has become a key pillar in building a self-reliant India. It is accelerating innovation, expanding opportunities and contributing to the nation's growth across sectors. Our continued focus remains on empowering talent, encouraging research and creating solutions that serve both national progress and the aspirations of our people," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
PM Modi's Reflections
In another message, the Prime Minister wrote, "On this day in the year 1998, the nuclear tests conducted at Pokhran introduced the world to India's remarkable capability. Our scientists are the true architects of the nation's pride and self-respect."
Messages from CXOs of India Inc on National Technology Day
Industry leaders also shared their perspectives on technology's transformative role.
S K Venkataraghavan, Director of Solutions and Services Group (SSG), Lenovo India
"India is at an inflection point in its AI-led techade, and National Technology Day is a fitting moment to take stock of how far this journey has moved. What began as digital ambition has matured into a full-scale AI transformation, with innovation accelerating across industries. Our recent research makes this unambiguous: 99% of Indian enterprises are planning to increase AI investments over the next 12 months, with budgets growing at the fastest rate across Asia Pacific. This is not a trend. This is a supercycle, and it is already in motion. What defines this moment is a fundamental shift in how enterprises are engaging with AI. The era of pilots and proof-of-concepts is giving way to full-scale production deployments across manufacturing, retail, sports, and beyond. With nearly three dollars expected in return for every dollar invested, AI has crossed from strategic priority into core business infrastructure."
Saahil Kumar, General Manager, Sonova Consumer Hearing, India
"The most transformative technologies are not the ones that redefine industries; they are the ones that redefine access. In the audio and hearing industry, the real breakthrough lies in making exceptional sound experiences more intuitive, inclusive, and accessible to everyday listeners. As technology evolves, the focus is no longer only on pushing the boundaries of acoustic performance, but on ensuring that high-quality listening seamlessly fits into people's daily lives, whether at work, during travel, at home, or in moments of personal connection. Today, innovation in audio is being driven by the convergence of precision engineering, wireless freedom, intelligent usability, and immersive sound design. High-fidelity listening is no longer reserved for a niche audience. It is increasingly becoming an expectation and a standard for modern consumers across experiences and environments. On National Technology Day, we celebrate not just what technology can do, but who it can reach, and how it can make meaningful listening experiences more universal than ever before."
Anup Cheruvathoor, Founder and CTO, Qubo
"On National Technology Day, we celebrate the power of innovation to solve real-world problems and make everyday life safer and better. As technology, especially AI, continues to evolve and India marches toward a digitally powered future, we remain committed to creating world-class products and ecosystems that are smart, intuitive and truly meaningful for consumers. All proudly made in India."
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