New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated three PARAM Rudra Supercomputers worth around Rs 130 crore through video-conferencing.
Developed indigenously under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), these supercomputers have been deployed in Pune, Delhi and Kolkata to facilitate scientific research.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated a High-Performance Computing (HPC) system tailored for weather and climate research.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said the inauguration of these supercomputers marks a huge achievement in the field of science and technology and is a reflection of the nation’s progress by prioritising research and development.
“Today’s India is carving new opportunities in the endless horizon of possibilities. With Param Rudra Supercomputers and HPC system, India takes significant step towards self-reliance in computing and driving innovation in science and technology,” said the Prime Minister.
The new HPC systems are named ‘Arka’ and ‘Arunika,’ reflecting their connection to the Sun. These high-resolution models will significantly enhance the accuracy and lead time of predictions related to tropical cyclones, heavy precipitation, thunderstorms, hailstorms, heat waves, droughts and other critical weather phenomena.
“Supercomputers will ensure that even the smallest farmer has access to the world’s best knowledge, helping them make informed decisions about their crops. Fishermen venturing into the sea will also benefit as these technologies will reduce risks and offer insights into insurance schemes,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasised that India cannot remain satisfied by merely matching the capabilities of the rest of the world, rather it is the country’s responsibility to serve humanity through scientific research.
“India’s mantra is Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) through research, Science for Self-Reliance”, the Prime Minister remarked as he highlighted historic campaigns like Digital India, Startup India and Make In India.
He pointed out that supercomputers were the domain of only a few nations earlier, but India is now matching the capabilities of global supercomputer leaders with the launch of the National Supercomputing Mission in 2015.