On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated three PARAM Rudra supercomputers, marking a significant advancement in India’s scientific and technological journey under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM). Developed indigenously at a cost of ₹130 crore, these supercomputers are set to enhance research capabilities in Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata.
Modi emphasized the critical role of technology in various sectors, stating, “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. This achievement demonstrates that we are moving in the right direction at the right pace.”
The PARAM Rudra supercomputers aim to achieve self-reliance in high-performance computing (HPC) and will support advanced research across multiple disciplines. The Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune will utilize the system to explore astronomical phenomena such as Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs). In Delhi, the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) will enhance studies in material science and atomic physics, while the S N Bose Centre in Kolkata will focus on physics, cosmology, and earth sciences.
Modi noted, “With PARAM Rudra Supercomputers and HPC systems, India takes a significant step towards self-reliance in computing and driving innovation in science and technology,” sharing his message on X.
The National Supercomputing Mission, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), aims to establish a network of advanced computing systems across the country. Modi highlighted that these supercomputers not only signify technological progress but also contribute to fulfilling the aspirations of the “last person” in society.
Although the Prime Minister had planned to visit Pune for the launch, he canceled his trip due to heavy rains in the city. Officials indicated that he was also scheduled to flag off a Metro train line and announce development projects worth ₹22,600 crore.
