New Delhi/UNI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that today India is moving forward in every direction which is necessary for a tech leader country.

"Technology is a tool for giving momentum to the country's growth trajectory and is essential for economic growth, achieving sustainable development goals and building an inclusive ecosystem," he said while speaking after inaugurating National Technology Week 2023 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

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.

"India has set clear goals for the year 2047 and efforts should be made to make the country developed and self-reliant... adding that India is moving forward in the field of science and technology with new thinking and a holistic approach."

The Prime Minister said, "A strong foundation has been laid in the field of science and technology sector in the last nine years".

Talking about the role of technology in social justice, he said, "When we move ahead considering and recognising the social context of technology, then technology becomes a great medium of empowerment."

"Technology then also plays a great role in ensuring Social Justice and removing Disparities in the society" the PM said.

Stressing that India is the third largest startup ecosystem in the world, the Prime Minister said this growth is at a time when the world is going through economic uncertainties.

"In 2014, there were around 150 incubation centers in our country, today the number of incubation centers in India has crossed 650," he informed.

The Prime Minister said, "In 2014, there were around 100 Startups in the country, whereas this number stands at around 1 lakh, today."

"India has become the world's third largest Startup ecosystem. Moreover, this growth is at a time when there have been global headwinds all around," he said.

Highlighting the importance of Atal Tinkering Labs, he said In the last 9 years, a strong foundation has been laid in the country to inspire the young minds of India towards innovation.

"Atal Tinkering Labs, which was started a few years ago, is today becoming the Innovation Nursery of the country," he added.

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.

"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," he added.

On this occasion, 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 projected 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.

The Prime Minister also released commemorative stamps and coins inaugurated the expo showcasing indigenous scientific and technological advancements.

The programme will also mark the commencement of celebration of the 25th year of National Technology Day, which will be held from 11th to 14th May.

The National Technology Day 2023 has a special focus on Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). This year's theme is ‘School to Startups- Igniting Young Minds to Innovate’.

The celebration of National Technology Day was started by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1999 to honour Indian scientists, engineers and technologists for successful conduct of Pokhran tests in May 1998.