National Technology Day: How India Fights Covid-19 Pandemic With Technological Support

On National Technology Day, we remember all the technological support we receive and the people behind it to help fight the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak that has brought the country to a standstill.

(Representative Image/ Getty)

New Delhi: On May 11, 1998, India had successfully conducted 5 nuclear tests marking the first National Technology Day. Today, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic we remember all the technological support we receive and the people behind it to help fight the virus. In a tweet by the PM Modi, he salutes the technological advancements that are helping the fight against coronavirus. "On National Technology Day, our nation salutes all those who are leveraging technology to bring a positive difference in the lives of others. We remember the exceptional achievement of our scientists on this day in 1998. It was a landmark moment in India's history," he said in a series of tweets. In a series of tweets by President, Ram Nath Kovind said “We recognise science and technology as the key instruments for inclusive progress. Our scientists and technologists are also on the frontlines of the global battle against COVID-19, making the nation proud.”

Today, technology is helping many in the efforts to make the world free from COVID-19. I salute all those at the forefront of research and innovation on ways to defeat Coronavirus. May we keep harnessing technology in order to create a healthier and better planet.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 11, 2020

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Department of Science and Technology (DST), and Technology Development Board (TDB) have organized a high-level Digital Conference, RE-START- Reboot the Economy through Science, Technology And Research Translations. All celebrations had to go online due to the ongoing pandemic. An example of such advancements is the indigenous ELISA antibody test which was developed by ICMR National Institute of Virology all in a month’s time, it is now going to be manufactured turning it into the perfect example of Make in India. The Arogya Setu App launched by the Ministry of Electronics and IT, this app was created to help connect the people of India with essential health services. To use the application, a user needs to register using your mobile number. It also needs Bluetooth and location access to function. IITs around the country too joined the battle with new innovations like IIT-Delhi created a COVID-19 testing kit that got the ICMR’s approval. The kit is an affordable low-cost diagnostic, around the world there’s a shortage of testing kits and IIT’s kit could be used in large numbers. Meanwhile IIT Kanpur designed an indigenous, low-cost ventilator. World Technology Day celebrates the contribution and dedication of the scientists and engineers which make the Indian Science & Technology field.