PM Modi inaugurates National Technology Day 2023, dedicates projects worth Rs 5800 crores towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision

The National Technology Day 2023 was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. This year’s celebration marked the 25th anniversary of the event, which was initiated in 1999 by former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee to honor Indian scientists, engineers, and technologists who contributed to the country’s scientific and technological advancement and ensured the successful conduct of Pokhran tests in May 1998.The Prime Minister dedicated various scientific and technological advancement projects, worth over Rs 5800 crores, to strengthen scientific institutions in India and fulfill his vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The projects included LIGO-India, Hingoli, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Jatni, Odisha, and Platinum Jubilee Block of Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, among others. He also inaugurated an Expo that showcased recent scientific and technological advancements made in India and released a commemorative stamp and coin.

In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of technology, growth, innovation, and sustainable development for making India Viksit and Aatmnirbhar. He stressed the need for an inclusive ecosystem to achieve these goals and highlighted the theme of the event, ‘School to Startups – igniting young minds to innovate.’ He praised the Atal Tinkering Labs and noted the hundreds of startups incubated at Atal Innovation Centers.

The Prime Minister suggested setting up an institutionalized system to address the needs of the youth coming out of Atal Tinkering Labs and urged the identification of 100 labs in different areas that should be made youth-driven. He also highlighted the special focus areas of clean energy and natural farming, stressing the need to promote research and technology.

The Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh, and the Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Shri Jitendra Singh, were present at the event.

The National Technology Day is celebrated every year on May 11 with a new and different theme. This year’s theme is ‘School to Startups- Igniting Young Minds to Innovate.’ The event featured the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) with a focus on showcasing multiple innovative projects and providing visitors an opportunity to witness live tinkering sessions, engage in tinkering activities, and witness outstanding innovations and products by Startups.

The Prime Minister’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and his emphasis on technology, growth, innovation, and sustainable development are critical for the country’s progress and success. The National Technology Day 2023 is a testament to the scientific and technological advancements made in India and the determination of the country’s youth to lead it to greater heights.