On February 28 each year, National Science Day honors Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, C.V. Raman, an Indian scientist, and physician, for discovering the “Raman Effect.” Every year, it is celebrated to honor the value of science and to serve as a reminder of its influence on humankind’s way of life. This day aims to encourage scientific temper and inspire the younger generation to pursue a career in science.
National Science Day 2023: Theme
The National Science Day celebration is an opportunity to showcase India’s scientific achievements and innovations and recognize the contributions of Indian scientists to the world. Various events and activities are organized across the country, including seminars, workshops, science exhibitions, science quizzes, and debates. The theme for National Science Day 2023 is “Global Science for Global Wellness.”
National Science Day: History & Raman Effect
On February 28th, 1986, the Government of India, under the leadership of then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, declared February 28 to be National Science Day, in honor of the announcement of the discovery of the “Raman Effect”.
A Sanskrit scholar, Raman was born in 1888 in Trichy (present-day Tiruchirapalli) in the Madras Presidency. As a 16-year-old, he was placed first in his class at Presidency College in Madras. At the age of 18, he was studying for his MA degree.
The Raman Effect is a phenomenon in which a beam of light passing through a transparent substance is scattered, and the wavelength of the scattered light is different from that of the incident light. Raman’s discovery paved the way for new branches of science, including Raman Spectroscopy, which is widely used in chemistry, physics, and biology.
National Science Day: Significance
The celebration of National Science Day is not limited to educational institutions but also extends to government organizations and research institutions. Many government agencies and research institutions organize open-house events to showcase their scientific achievements and research projects. These events provide an opportunity for the public to learn about the latest developments in science and technology and their practical applications in everyday life.