PM Modi Inaugurates PARAM Rudra Supercomputers to Strengthen India’s Research and Development Capabilities

In a significant move aimed at boosting India’s scientific and research infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dedicated three PARAM Rudra supercomputers and High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems to the nation. These cutting-edge supercomputers, located in Delhi, Pune, and Kolkata, are poised to significantly advance India's capabilities in research and development (R&D) across various scientific fields.

"These supercomputers will go a long way in ensuring that India’s scientists have access to state-of-the-art facilities," PM Modi remarked during the launch event. He added that the three supercomputers introduced would enhance advanced research efforts in disciplines such as physics, earth science, and cosmology.

Strengthening India’s Technological Edge

As part of the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), the PARAM Rudra supercomputers are a key component of India's strategy to strengthen its computational infrastructure. The NSM aims to meet the growing computational demands of academic institutions, research organizations, MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), and startups, thereby creating a foundation for innovation and progress. It is the first-ever initiative of this scale aimed at boosting India’s supercomputing power.

Jointly managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the mission is being implemented by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Pune, along with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru. The supercomputers will contribute to various fields including Weather and Climate Modeling, Bioinformatics, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and Material Science.

Promoting Scientific Temperament in Young Minds

As part of the broader strategy to encourage scientific curiosity and innovation, Prime Minister Modi highlighted additional initiatives taken by the government. "To instill scientific temperaments in young minds, 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been set up in schools," he stated. Scholarships for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects have also been increased, aimed at fostering innovation and research from an early age.

Advanced AI Capabilities and Cloud Computing Services

The PARAM Rudra systems are equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities, including Machine Learning and Deep Learning frameworks. They also offer cloud-based computing and storage services that support a range of industries, from scientific research to product development. This advanced infrastructure will enhance India’s efforts in various high-demand fields, further empowering researchers and innovators.

Budgetary Support and Space Sector Milestones

During his speech, PM Modi also emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening research through financial support. "In this year’s budget, a research fund of Rs 1 lakh crore has been announced so that India empowers the 21st-century world," he noted.

He also touched on the progress made in the space sector, highlighting the upcoming establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035, and India’s successful space missions, such as the Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing in 2023 and the launch of the Aditya-L1 solar mission. These achievements have propelled India’s position in the global space economy, encouraging private sector participation and accelerating growth in the space industry.

Looking ahead, India is preparing for the Gaganyaan mission, which will demonstrate the nation's ability to conduct human spaceflight. The mission aims to launch a crew of astronauts into orbit, followed by a safe return to Earth, with the planned landing in India’s sea waters.

Growth of India's Semiconductor Industry

In addition to advances in supercomputing and space exploration, PM Modi also touched on India’s growing semiconductor industry. He revealed that the government has approved five semiconductor units so far, with construction already underway at two sites. The companies involved have committed Rs 1.5 lakh crore in cumulative investments, positioning India as a future leader in semiconductor production.

Conclusion: A Leap Towards Technological Empowerment

With the dedication of the PARAM Rudra supercomputers, India is making significant strides in strengthening its scientific and technological infrastructure. These systems will serve as vital tools in empowering researchers, businesses, and the academic community. Combined with other ambitious initiatives in space exploration and the semiconductor industry, India is well on its way to becoming a global leader in technology and innovation.