India Observes 28th National Technology Day on 11 May 2026 With Theme "Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth"; Government Opens Three-Day Vigyan Tech 2026 Showcase at Bharat Mandapam
India observed the 28th National Technology Day on 11 May 2026 with the theme "Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth", marking the Pokhran-II tests of 1998, and opened the three-day Vigyan Tech 2026 showcase with 3,000+ stakeholders and 500+ technologies at Bharat Mandapam.
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Key Points for RAS
- 28th National Technology Day observed on 11 May 2026 with theme Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth
- Commemorates the Pokhran-II nuclear tests of 11 May 1998 carried out under codename Operation Shakti
- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was the principal scientific adviser during Pokhran-II
- Government opened three-day Vigyan Tech 2026 at Bharat Mandapam with 3,000+ stakeholders and 500+ technologies
- Theme focuses on ethical AI, semiconductors, deep-tech and accessibility
- National Technology Awards conferred for indigenous technology commercialisation and startup innovation
India observed the 28th National Technology Day on 11 May 2026 under the theme "Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth", commemorating the successful Pokhran-II nuclear tests of 11 May 1998 conducted under the codename Operation Shakti by the Atomic Energy Commission and DRDO when Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was scientific adviser. The Department of Science and Technology and Anusandhan National Research Foundation jointly opened "Vigyan Tech 2026", a three-day showcase at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi bringing together over 3,000 stakeholders and more than 500 technologies and innovations from national research organisations, scientific ministries and startups. The theme highlights ethical AI deployment, semiconductor self-reliance, deep-tech startups, accessibility for differently abled citizens and sustainability of digital infrastructure. The Prime Minister, addressing the nation, said the Pokhran-II tests reflected India's scientific excellence and described the day as a tribute to scientists, engineers and innovators driving the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. National Technology Awards in categories such as commercialisation of indigenous technology, startup innovation and translational research were conferred. The day also coincided with the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav, linking civilisational pride and scientific power. Industry leaders called for responsible deployment of emerging technologies as India scales an innovation-led economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 Why is National Technology Day observed on 11 May?
It commemorates the successful Pokhran-II nuclear tests of 11 May 1998 conducted under codename Operation Shakti, in which India established itself as a full-fledged nuclear weapons state.
2 What is the theme of National Technology Day 2026?
The theme is Responsible Innovation for Inclusive Growth, focusing on ethical AI, semiconductors, deep-tech, accessibility and sustainability.
3 What is Vigyan Tech 2026?
A three-day showcase opened at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on 11 May 2026 bringing together more than 3,000 stakeholders and over 500 technologies from research bodies, ministries and startups.
4 Who was the scientific adviser at the time of Pokhran-II?
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was the principal scientific adviser to the Government of India and a key architect of Operation Shakti.
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