Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday (May 11, 2026) said technology is not merely a tool for development but a strong foundation for self-reliance, asserting that his government is working to transform the state into the country's "Deep Tech Capital".

In an open letter 'Yogi ki Pati’ posted on X on the occasion of National Technology Day, Mr. Adityanath recalled India's three successful nuclear tests conducted under 'Operation Shakti' at Pokhran on May 11, 1998, and said the event demonstrated the country's scientific capability, technological confidence and national strength before the world.

"Every year, May 11 is celebrated as National Technology Day. This date was not chosen arbitrarily. On this very day in 1998, India conducted three successful nuclear tests under 'Operation Shakti' in Pokhran, making the world aware of its scientific talent, technological confidence and national capability," he said.

The Chief Minister also referred to the successful flight of the indigenous aircraft 'Hans-3' and the testing of the indigenous 'Trishul' missile on the same day, saying these achievements reflected India's growing technological prowess.

"Technology is not only a means of development, but also a powerful foundation of self-reliance," he said.

Highlighting the growing use of technology in governance and public welfare, Mr. Adityanath said modern technology has now moved beyond laboratories and reached farms and villages, making everyday life easier for people.

"Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), money is being transferred directly to beneficiaries. Facilities like online self-enumeration are also outcomes of technology," he said.

The Chief Minister also praised Uttar Pradesh-born astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla for his successful space-related achievements last year, saying they had filled 1.4 billion Indians with pride and served as an inspiration for the youth.

"Technology has made such achievements possible, and we should draw inspiration from them," he said.

Stressing the importance of youth in the state's progress, Mr. Adityanath said the government has launched robotics and AI Mission initiatives and is advancing work on data centre clusters.

"The government is ensuring cutting-edge training for youth through the 'Tech Yuva-Samarth Yuva' scheme," he said.

Referring to the slogan 'Innovate in U.P., Scale for the World', the Chief Minister said the State Government is making rapid progress in sectors such as drones, quantum technology, green hydrogen and med-tech.

"Our government is committed to making Uttar Pradesh the country's 'Deep Tech Capital'," he said, adding that the state today is emerging as a leading hub in IT parks, start-ups and manufacturing.

"Even BrahMos missiles are being manufactured here," he added, pointing to the supersonic cruise missile project.

Addressing the youth directly, Mr. Adityanath urged them to adopt the latest technologies and innovation to contribute to building a self-reliant state.

"Technology is like time. Not moving with technology means falling behind time itself. Walking with technology means moving towards a strong present and a golden future," he said.

The Chief Minister also said embracing innovation and modern technology would be the "true tribute" to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, under whose leadership the Pokhran nuclear tests were conducted.