India's economic transition from one based on agriculture to one that is becoming a major player in the digital field has been made possible due to technology. Every aspect of life is affected by it, from healthcare and agriculture to governance and education. Today we will be exploring how technology has shaped modern India since its independence.
Role of Technology in Shaping Modern India Since Independence
1947 - 1957: How the Five Year Plan Prioritised Scientific Research
In 1950, India established the Planning Commission to strategise and plan actions across key sectors, including agriculture, science, infrastructure, and education. The first Five-Year Plan, introduced in July 1951, included a crucial focus on ‘Scientific and Industrial Research.’ This plan laid the groundwork for scientific research in India, emphasising the development and enhancement of national laboratories and research centres.
The plan recognised eleven national research institutes, highlighting their significance in the country’s future growth. Among these institutions were the National Physical Laboratory (Delhi), National Chemical Laboratory (Pune, Maharashtra), and Central Electrochemical Research Institute (Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu).
Some of these institutes were still in their nascent stages, requiring further investment for expansion. The plan allocated resources for completing buildings and installing necessary equipment to ensure these laboratories could operate fully.
Additionally, the plan proposed the establishment of three new institutes: the Radio and Electronics Research Institute, Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, and Central Salt Research Station, further bolstering India’s scientific research infrastructure.
1957–1967: Improvements in Agricultural and the Defence
Following independence, one of India's key challenges was revitalising its agriculture sector. There was a significant gap in research related to crop yield potential, irrigation systems, fertilisers, pesticides, power sources, and agricultural equipment across the country. Recognising this, the government prioritised scientific research to advance agriculture. This decade witnessed the onset of the Green Revolution, a transformative period that significantly improved India’s agrarian economy, which had been on the verge of collapse in 1947.
The Green Revolution helped India transition from being a food grain importer to becoming self-reliant and eventually producing a surplus. This period marked a crucial step in securing the nation’s food security and establishing a robust agricultural foundation.
The 1960s were also a pivotal decade for India’s defence sector, with the launch of the country’s first indigenous naval submarine, INS Kalvari. This achievement signalled the beginning of a long series of ‘Made-in-India’ technological advancements, not only in defence but across various fields. In the defence sector, India’s progress continued with the successful development, testing, and deployment of key assets such as the Agni and Prithvi missiles, the supersonic fighter aircraft Tejas, and nuclear capabilities demonstrated in Pokhran II.
Among these achievements, India also developed the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile, BrahMos, the ballistic missile submarine INS Arihant, and the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
These accomplishments were made possible through the indigenous development of cutting-edge technologies, often starting from scratch. Notable innovations include Autoclave Technology for processing lightweight composites used in modern civil and military airframes and head-up displays (HUDs) for aircraft.
1970-1990: India’s First Satellite and Development in the Space Sector
India’s impact on space science is significant. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was founded in 1969 as the nation’s official space agency. On April 19, 1975, ISRO launched India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, which was designed and built entirely within the country. Aryabhata was developed to conduct experiments in X-ray astronomy, aeronomy, and solar physics, marking a major milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global space power.
In 1980, India marked a significant milestone by successfully launching its first Satellite Launch Vehicle, SLV-3. This achievement set the stage for further advancements, including sending Rakesh Sharma, India’s first astronaut, into space in 1984.
By the 2000s, India had developed its own rockets capable of launching not only indigenous satellites and research instruments but also payloads from other developed nations.
In the 21st century, India continues to expand its space sector through initiatives such as the creation of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) under the Department of Space.
IN-SPACe promotes greater private and citizen participation in space activities, which has led to the successful launch of four student satellites. Furthermore, institutions like the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram are dedicated to training engineers for India’s space program, ensuring the country’s continued leadership in space exploration.
1987 - 1997: India Established DNA Fingerprinting
In 1988, India made a significant breakthrough in biotechnology with the development of DNA fingerprinting. Scientists at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR–CCMB) pioneered this technique, making India the third country. in the world to create its own DNA fingerprinting probe. This innovation marked a major advancement in forensic science and genetic research in the country.
1997 - 2007: Nuclear Testing of Pokhran-II
On May 11, 1998, India conducted a series of five underground nuclear tests in Pokhran, Rajasthan, known as ‘Pokhran-II.’ These successful tests marked a significant milestone in India's strategic and technological capabilities.
To commemorate this achievement, then-Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared May 11th as ‘National Technology Day,’ which is observed annually to celebrate India's advancements in science and technology.
2007 - 2017: Key Achievements in Technology
Chandrayaan-I Mission to the Moon
On October 22, 2008, India launched its first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-I, from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The spacecraft orbited the moon, providing valuable data on its chemical composition, geology, and mineralogy to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Polio-Free India
In 1994, India accounted for approximately 60% of the world’s polio cases. A rigorous vaccination campaign led by the government transformed India into a polio-free nation within two decades. On March 27, 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially certified India as polio-free. The success of this campaign was attributed to robust policies, dedicated healthcare professionals, and extensive community outreach that educated and persuaded hesitant populations in rural and underserved areas about the vaccine’s safety and benefits.
Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)
India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), launched on November 5, 2013, marked the country’s first interplanetary mission. It conducted detailed studies of Mars’ topography, morphology, mineralogy, and atmosphere. Besides its scientific contributions, Mangalyaan was praised for its cost-effectiveness, establishing India’s significant presence in space exploration.
Encouragement of Start-Ups
On January 16, 2016, the Indian government introduced the ‘Startup India’ program to foster an ecosystem conducive to scientific, technological, and innovative advancements. This initiative has significantly boosted the number of startups in India, which surpassed 52,000 by July 2021, making it one of the world’s largest startup ecosystems. These startups have created over 500,000 jobs across various sectors, including IT services, healthcare, education, and green technology.
2017 - Present: Key Developments
ISRO’s Gaganyaan Programme
The Gaganyaan Programme aims to demonstrate human spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the region of space close to Earth used for activities like transportation, communication, and observation, where the International Space Station orbits.
This initiative is designed to pave the way for future Indian human space exploration. The Government has approved two unmanned missions and one manned mission under the Gaganyaan Programme. In his 2020 Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Gaganyaan as India’s first major step towards a sustained human space exploration program, which is expected to enhance opportunities for global collaboration in space station development and create job opportunities for a scientifically skilled younger generation.
COVID-19 Vaccine Research and Vaccination Drive
India played a pivotal role in COVID-19 vaccine research and emerged as one of the world’s largest manufacturers and exporters of vaccines. By the end of 2021, India had supplied over 70 million vaccine doses to more than 90 countries.
The country also undertook an unprecedented vaccination drive, administering over 1.7 billion doses by February 2022, demonstrating its capability and commitment to addressing global health challenges.
Conclusion
Technology has been a powerful force in shaping modern India. Its transformative impact is evident across sectors, from governance and education to healthcare and agriculture. As India continues its digital journey, it is imperative to bridge the digital divide, ensure data privacy, and harness the power of technology for the benefit of all citizens.
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