In a significant move to bolster India’s scientific and technological capabilities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched three indigenously developed PARAM Rudra supercomputers on Thursday, September 26. This launch is part of the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), aimed at advancing research and innovation through high-performance computing (HPC). Developed at a cost of Rs 130 crore, the supercomputers have been installed in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata to support cutting-edge research across diverse scientific fields, including astronomy, material science, and cosmology.
Emphasizing the critical role of technology, PM Modi remarked, “There is no sector which does not rely on technology and computing capability. In this revolution, our share should not be in bits and bytes but in terabytes and petabytes.”
Each PARAM Rudra system has been strategically placed to address specific research needs. In Pune, the Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) will utilize the supercomputing power to explore astronomical phenomena like Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs), potentially leading to groundbreaking discoveries in astrophysics.
In Delhi, the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) will leverage PARAM Rudra for research in material science and atomic physics, offering deeper insights into atomic interactions that could drive advancements in various applications.
Meanwhile, in Kolkata, the SN Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences will focus on research in physics, cosmology, and earth sciences. The institute aims to accelerate its understanding of complex cosmological phenomena by tapping into the enhanced computational capabilities of PARAM Rudra.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the deployment of these supercomputers reflects India’s growing self-reliance in high-performance computing. “With PARAM Rudra Supercomputers, India takes a significant step towards self-reliance in computing and driving innovation in science and technology,” PM Modi stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), a joint initiative by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), plays a crucial role in enhancing India’s HPC infrastructure. The mission aims to establish a network of advanced computing systems across the country to foster research and development in critical sectors.
Although the Prime Minister had initially planned to attend the launch event in Pune, heavy rains in the city necessitated a virtual inauguration. In addition to the supercomputers, PM Modi was scheduled to inaugurate a Metro train line and launch several development projects worth Rs 22,600 crore.
