AMN / WEB DESK
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that technology is a tool for giving momentum to the country’s growth trajectory. He stressed that technology is essential for economic growth, achieving sustainable development goals and building an inclusive ecosystem.
The Prime Minister today inaugurated National Technology Week 2023, School to Startupand Igniting Young Minds to Innovate at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
On this occasion, Mr. Modi has laid the foundation stone for Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory – India at Hingoli in Maharashtra, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre at Jatni in Odisha, Platinum Jubilee Block of Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Hyderabad.
He also dedicated to the nation project related to Fission Molybdenum-99 Production Facility in Mumbai, Rare Earth Permanent Magnet Plant and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Visakhapatnam, National Hadron Beam Therapy Facility and Women and Children Cancer Hospital Building in Navi Mumbai.
Mr. Modi also released commemorative stamp and coin inaugurated the expo showcasing indigenous scientific and technological advancements.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, 11th May is a glorious day in the history of the country as on this day, Indian scientists had made the country proud by conducting Pokhran nuclear tests. He said, India has set clear goals for year 2047 and efforts should be made to make the country developed and self-reliant.
He said, India is moving forward in the field of science and technology with new thinking and a holistic approach. He said, a strong foundation has been laid in the field of science and technology sector in the last nine years.
Highlighting the importance of Atal Tinkering Labs in the nation’s progress, he said, these labs are nurturing the seeds of innovation among youngsters. He said, campaigns related to Startup India, Digital India and the National Education Policy have given a new momentum to the country’s success in the technology sector.
Mr. Modi said the country is making strides in the startup ecosystem and it has become the third largest startup ecosystem in the world. He said, this achievement has been made in such a time when the world is witnessing economic uncertainties.
On the success of UPI, the Prime Minister said, Indians have embraced digital payments and now UPI has become the new normal. He said there was a time when carrying debit and credit cards in pockets was a status symbol, but today the country’s UPI has become a new normal due to its simplicity.
Mr. Modi added that the revolutionary initiatives including JAM Trinity, COWIN, e-NAM have been the agents of inclusion and have brought an unparalleled digital revolution in the country.
On the occasion, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the 21st century is India’s century and now the world is seeing the country as a ray of hope. He said, science and technology play an instrumental role in nation progress and India is now in the demographic dividend stage. He stressed on effective utilisation of this dividend.
Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said, India has made strides in the science and technology sector since 2014. He said, the country has now become the third largest startup ecosystem in the world.