Following food, shelter, and clothing, technology has quickly established as one of the essentials for lives that transcend nations and geographical boundaries. We wake up with technology, live with it all day, and cannot sleep without it. Technology’s intervention has facilitated human life in numerous ways; it saves time, allows individuals to operate more efficiently, and provides more sources for informed decision-making. It is impossible to deny that technology is a driving force in global economic development. A P J Abdul Kalam, a notable Indian scientist and former President of India, stated that with the power of technology, Indian youth should dream big for the country.
The world recently witnessed the spectre of the pandemic but technology came up as the messiah to save the world and keep it going. Technology assisted every sector to do the the needful during the pandemic. It helped students to keep their education going and it became the medium to boost the payment system when distancing was a necessity.
Especially for a country like India which has a vast demographic structure, technology has abundantly contributed to saving lives and making them efficacious beyond every obstruction.
In India, the inaugural celebration of National Technology Day took place on May 11, 1999, with the objective of recognizing and applauding the contributions of professionals engaged in the field of technology. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam believed that science is the most powerful means for the advancement of life. His philosophy and inspiring quotes continue to inspire not only Indians but people all around the world.
History
National Technology Day has a prestigious history. On the same day in 1998, India successfully conducted five nuclear tests at Pokhran (Rajasthan). Earlier, India had attempted these nuclear tests in 1974 with the name ‘Smiling Buddha’ which failed eventually. Eminent Scientist and former President of India, A P J Abdul Kalam led the operation of the Pokhran nuclear test.
After the success of these nuclear tests, then Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared 11 May as National Technology Day to celebrate the efforts of scientists, engineers and technological advancement in the country.
Relevance
In one of the events dedicated to digital India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “With the passage of time, the country which does not adopt modern technology, time moves ahead leaving it behind. India was a victim of this during the Third Industrial Revolution. But today we can proudly say that India is guiding the world in the fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0.”
The statement from the Prime Minister is indicative of India’s strong position in the technological landscape that is consistently evolving. According to the data from Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the rank of India in the Global Innovation Index is getting elevated.
The report also highlighted that India’s IT spending will grow 7 per cent year-over-year (YoY) to reach USD 101.8 billion in 2022, compared to USD 81.89 billion in 2021. Technology does not just make lives easy but also provides a humongous amount of jobs opportunities.
Theme
Every year a new theme is declared to celebrate National Technology Day. This year, the theme has been decided as “Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for a sustainable future”. This theme emphasises on utilising technology to create a sustainable future. The absence of human intervention is one more side of technological advancement, this issue has been hugely debated in the intellectual corridor. The theme revolves around bringing more human intervention in controlling technology. ‘Technology-driven’ is the aspiration but the driver should be a human. That is the necessity for a sustainable future.
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Quotes
“As a young citizen of India, armed with technology and love for my nation, I realise, a small aim is a crime.”
“Science is a beautiful gift to humanity; we should not distort it.”
“Dream, Dream, Dream. Dreams transform into thoughts And thoughts result in action.”
“Change is crucial. It brings new thought; new thought leads to innovative actions.”
“All of us do not have equal talent. But , all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.”