Kalam to commemorate Pokhran-II anniv

On May 11, India will commemorate the successful test of five nuclear devices, conducted in 1998, at the Pokhran range in Rajasthan.

Ten years ago, the country had successfully carried out three explosions -- one on May 11 and the other two on May 13.

On Sunday, former President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam will take part in a low-profile ceremony in Mumbai to be organised to commemorate the day, also known as Technology Day.

From 1992 to 1999, Kalam was the chief scientific adviser to the Defence Minister and secretary, Department of Defence Research & Development. It was under his guidance that India carried out the nuclear tests.

The former President will later address a gathering at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Trombay.

Although the United Progressive Alliance government, in an undeclared policy, has decided to not celebrate the scientific achievement but few functions have been arranged unofficially.