PM Narendra Modi tweeted on the 1998 nuclear tests in Pokhran
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of National Technology Day, has expressed his gratitude to scientists and their efforts that led to the successful nuclear tests in Pokhran in 1998.
PM Modi has also shared a video to mark the day. The clip opens with the Pokhran range in Rajasthan where the nuclear tests were performed. In the background, we can hear then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee announcing the success of the “three underground nuclear tests”.
“Today, on National Technology Day, we express gratitude to our brilliant scientists and their efforts that led to the successful Pokhran tests in 1998. We remember with pride the exemplary leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji who showed outstanding political courage and statesmanship,” PM Modi wrote.
The Ministry of Defence has shared a National Technology Day infographic on Twitter. The text read, “With various advancements in the defence technology sector, India is way up in the list of potential superpower countries in the coming future.”
Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, marked the day with a picture featuring Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the Pokhran range and wrote, “Greetings to all the technical experts, scientists and engineers of the nation on the occasion of ‘National Technology Day'.”
Mr Gadkari added, “On this day in 1998, under the leadership of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, India showed its immense courage and strength to the world by conducting Pokhran nuclear tests.”
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics and Technology, quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and wrote, “Technology is the medium for empowering people; it is the mainstay of making India self-reliant.”
Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, has also applauded the efforts of scientists for “transforming India into a technological powerhouse”.
Remembering Atal Bihari Vajpayee's efforts, BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde has extended his gratitude to the “tech innovators for their services and achievements.”
The Pokhran nuclear tests were led by aerospace scientist and former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Indian Army played a major role in its successful journey.