Secret

 

11th May 1998 & 13th May 1998 are historic days in the calendar of our country - India!!!

Yeah, India carried out successful five nuclear tests during these days and proved itself as a strong Nuclear power, and joined the list of Big 5 states. Three tests were carried out on 11th May 1998 while Two tests on 13th May 1998.

Initially, India did face some sanction issues but then the World accepted that India is there to survive on its own and not follow the rules set by others.

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After the success of 'Smiling Buddha' the first nuclear test in 1974 by India, it was under the constant radar by the UN and Big 5 not to conduct any more tests. However, sensing the challenges from neighbouring countries, it was very important for India to put across its point bluntly.

The problem was conducting these tests was not easy in many aspects. The geographical location for conducting such tests was not conducive to natural protection. After much study, 'Pokhran' in Rajasthan was selected but being a desert it was impossible to keep the tests under wrap. India's biggest bad luck is the 'black sheeps' it has within its own ranks. The earlier trials were flagged off by the US too and sanctions were imposed severely.

The then Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji, Scientific advisor for the Project Ex-President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam sir, and a handful of people knew about the project in totality. Many top-level executives were also not aware of the happenings behind the curtains. The top-level secrecy was needed to be maintained as there was a continuous threat to the then Government for carrying out the tests. US satellites were mapping every move in India. Also, there was no dearth of spies reporting to the West about the movements happening.

Indian agencies used various methods to hide their operations from the continuously moving American Satellites. The work was mostly done during the night and equipment was returned to the original place to give the impression that it was never moved. Bomb shafts were dug under camouflage netting and the dugout sand was shaped as dunes, which resembled a sand formation in the Thar Desert. Native vegetation was used to cover the Cables for Sensors. Even the scientist was given pseudonyms and they were deported as a part of the Army team. The bombs in BARC were flown to Jaisalmer and then transported to Pokhran through military trucks.

The end result of these tests brought joy and pride in the face of every Indian. It was announced on national television about the success of the Nuclear Tests. The reaction of the World for these tests was a mixed bag and the Prime Minister boldly announced we are ready to take on the world and we do not want to be bogged down by heavyweights of the world.

The entire success of the Pokhran test depended on one word - "Secrecy".

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Based on the above sequence of events, I present my few verses

Plenty of efforts went to hide what was happening

As the World outside never wanted to allow the testing

Many sanctions were threatened for carrying out this act

The visionaries knew it needed an enormous tact

Carrying on a project as big as this without revealing the fact

Would test the nerves of the few who knew the plan intact

Salute to the entire contingent for their 100% commitment 

They did not care about anything apart from the national duty fulfillment

Their life was under pressure as nothing could not be revealed

their identity, their location of work, were all concealed

Even the family of stakeholders did not know any information

Restriction on movement added an additional block to the communication

Ultimately, the success of the tests relieved everyone involved

The pride and joy were evident after the results evolved

Kudos to all for adding power to this country of democracy

The success of this mission belonged to one word 'Secrecy'

Jai Hind!!! Vande Mataram!!!