Modi lays stone for India's hub to study gravitational waves
New Delhi: Remembering Pokhran nuclear testing that made the entire nation proud, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday laid the foundation stone of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO-India).
The Prime Minister also dedicated scientific projects worth over Rs 5,800 crore to the nation on the occasion of National Technology Day. These projects are aimed at strengthening scientific institutions in the country, in line with the prime minister’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Addressing the gathering, Modi said that the 11th of May is one of the most prestigious days in the history of India. Underlining the day, he also said India’s scientists achieved the stupendous feat in Pokhran which made the entire nation proud.
“I can never forget the day when Atal Ji made the announcement of India’s successful Nuclear Testing. The Pokhran nuclear testing not only helped India prove its scientific capabilities but also gave a boost to the global stature of the nation," he said.
The programme also marked the commencement of the celebration of the 25th year of National Technology Day, which will be held from May 11-14. The projects include Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory - India (LIGO-India), Hingoli; Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Jatni, Odisha; and Platinum Jubilee Block of Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai among others.
During the event, the Prime minister also inaugurated an exhibition showcasing scientific and technological advancements made in India in the recent past and also took a walk-through.
Releasing a commemorative stamp and coin on the occasion, Modi said that his government’s thrust on science and technology has ushered in a big change and noted that around 4,000 patents used to be registered annually 10 years back but it is over 30,000 now.
“The government has worked to make an inclusive ecosystem to promote innovation and cited India’s big jump on the global innovation index,” he added.