National Technology Day

Applying science for practical purposes is what technology is all about! Creating items to perform tasks, solve problems, make life easier (or perhaps more interesting), scientists who work in engineering and technology are always looking for ways to make life better. And showing appreciation for advances in technology is what National Technology Day is all about!

History of National Technology Day

While technology can be traced back to the time when humans began using tools to make their work easier, the modern history of technology dates back to the 18th century. This was when the industrial revolution came into full swing, particularly in Great Britain, continental Europe and the United States. As machines were invented and science evolved, the knowledge developed and fed into continued growth in the industry of technology.

First observed on May 11, 1999, National Technology Day was originally celebrated in India. The day was established by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in honor of the tenth anniversary of the Pokhran Nuclear Test, and the day was declared by the national Council for Technology Development in India.

The purpose of setting aside a day to celebrate technology was meant to celebrate technological developments and the participation of scientists, engineers and researchers who contribute to this important field in the world today.

Since it was established, National Technology Day has been celebrated each year with a unique theme that reflects various advancements in the field. Past themes have included ideas such as:

• 2022 – An Integrated Approach to Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future
• 2020 – Rebooting the Economy through Science, Technology and Research Translations titled RESTART
• 2017 – Technology for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth
• 2013 – Innovation: Making a Difference

Although National Technology Day has its beginnings rooted in the country of India, the popularity of the day has continued to grow and increase as the idea spreads around the world.

How to Celebrate National Technology Day

Show appreciation for technology and the folks who develop and sustain it by getting on board with the celebration of National Technology Day! There are certainly tons of ways it is possible to enjoy the day, including some of these ideas:

Host a Tech Trivia Night

Whether you are hosting a technology trivia activity together with a few friends or coworkers, or if you want to have a fun night with the family, this might be a good way to celebrate National Technology Day.

Plan ahead of time by gathering a collection of various questions and answers related to the sciences of technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Try questions about all kinds of topics in the world of technology such as video games, space travel, coding, inventions and so many other interesting topics.

Try Out Some Newer Technology

Those who would consider themselves fairly savvy in technology might want to celebrate National Technology Day and head out to a tech store and get access to some interesting new releases. Whether this means checking out some new tech gadgets available at the store, trying out the most updated PC or Mac computer, or playing a new video game, this is the perfect day to be an explorer in the world of today’s advanced technology.

And those who come across a bit of new technology they really love might choose to invest in it by making a purchase!

Watch a Film or Documentary about Technology

One super way to honor and celebrate scientists for National Technology Day might be to gather a group of friends or family members to watch a movie. Perhaps choose one that reveals the background and story of a member of the technology field, or going with a fiction/science fiction film that provides a glimpse into what technology might be like in the future.

Get started with some of these film titles for movie night:

• The Imitation Game (2014). Featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley, this historical drama film tells the semi-biographical story of cryptanalyst Alan Turing and his incredible work with British intelligence during World War II.
• Ex Machina (2015). Ahead of its time, this film explores the idea of what could happen if AI (artificial intelligence) becomes significantly more intelligent. The cast of this movie stars Alicia Vikander and Domhnall Gleeson.
• Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999). Head back to the beginning of it all with this dramatic peek into the technology rivalry between Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. This biographical drama portrays the time period from 1971–1997 and the two main characters are portrayed by actors Noah Wyle and Anthony Michael Hall.
• The Circle (2017). In this techno-thriller film, the main character (played by Emma Watson) gets her dream job at a tech company and social network, but everything is not quite as it seems. Also starring Tom Hanks and Bill Paxton.

Make a Time Capsule

One fun way that many people have preserved their interesting ideas to be opened in the future is by creating a time capsule. A time capsule consists of a container that is filled with all sorts of interesting items and memorabilia that are specific to the year and era people are currently living in. Whether it’s clippings from a current newspaper or magazine about technology, or even an example of technology like a pair of earbuds and more. Then put the capsule in a safe place and set a time to open it, whether 10, 20 or even 50 years into the future!

Some people have taken technology a step further and are starting to practice the creation of electronic time capsules. This is a concept that is similar to making a physical time capsule, but it is created digitally instead. This might include videos, music, or other electronic keepsakes that can be accessed many years down the road.

Show Some Love to STEM Educators

Technology education is one place where the minds of young inventors are fostered and grown. Say thank you to a favorite teacher who had an impact in one (or all!) of the STEM disciplines in celebration of National Technology Day.