National Science Day 2024: Date, Theme, and History

PWOnlyIAS February 28, 2024 01:40 3066 0

Indian National Science Day is celebrated in India on February 28 each year to mark the discovery of the Raman effect by Indian physicist Sir CV Raman on 28 February 1928.

National Science Day 2024: Date, Theme, and History

Context:

India celebrates its National Science Day annually on 28 February.

About Indian National Science Day

Indian National Science Day is observed to highlight the importance of science in our daily lives and to encourage scientific temper among the masses. It celebrates the spirit of scientific inquiry and innovation, emphasizing the role of science in addressing societal challenges and fostering national development.

  • Aim: To commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by the renowned Indian physicist, Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (C.V. Raman), in 1928. 
    • February 28, 1928: C.V. Raman and his assistant K.S. Krishnan discovered the Raman Effect, a groundbreaking scientific phenomenon that earned Raman the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. 
    • It serves as a reminder of the country’s contributions to the field of science and technology.
  • Government Celebration: In 1986, National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), asked the Government of India to announce February 28 as National Science Day.
    • Since then, February 28th has been designated as Indian National Science Day.

National Science Day

National Science Day Themes:  This Year, and Previous Years

National Science Day is marked each year with a unique theme that reflects the focus of scientific endeavors in India. Table showcasing the themes over the years:

Year Theme
National Science Day 2024 theme
  • Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat
2023
  • Science for Sustainability: Celebrating Diversity in Science.
2022
  • Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future.
2021
  • Future of STI: Impacts on Education, Skills, and Work.

Celebration of National Science Day

Indian National Science Day is celebrated across the country through various activities and events aimed at promoting scientific awareness and education. Some common ways of celebration include:

  • Educational Workshops: Various educational institutions organize workshops to engage students and promote scientific thinking.
  • Science Exhibitions: Exhibitions showcasing scientific innovations and discoveries are organized to create awareness.
  • Public Lectures: Eminent scientists deliver lectures to inspire and educate the public about the latest advancements in science.
  • Competitions: Science-related competitions, quizzes, and debates are organized to encourage participation and interest in science.
  • Science Awareness Campaigns: Various campaigns are conducted to raise awareness about the importance of science in everyday life and its role in societal development.

Organizations Involved in Promoting National Science Day

Several government and non-government organizations play a crucial role in organizing and promoting Indian National Science Day. The Ministry of Science and Technology, along with agencies like the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and Indian National Science Academy (INSA), collaborate to coordinate nationwide celebrations and activities.

  • Department of Science and Technology (DST): The DST plays a crucial role in organizing and supporting events for National Science Day.
  • Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR): CSIR actively participates in promoting scientific research and innovation on this day.
  • Ministry of Education: The Ministry of Education collaborates to integrate science into the education system.
  • National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC): NCSTC plays a pivotal role in organizing events and spreading awareness about the significance of science.
  • Scientific Institutions: Research institutions, universities, and scientific societies actively participate in organizing seminars, workshops, and exhibitions.

Dr Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (C.V Raman): Biography, Early Life, Career and Achievements

Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, commonly known as C.V. Raman, was an eminent Indian physicist born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirapalli, British India (now in Tamil Nadu, India). He made significant contributions to the field of physics, particularly in the study of light scattering, molecular spectroscopy, and the behavior of light in transparent materials.

National Science Day

  • Birth: C.V. Raman was born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirapalli, British India.
  • Education: He obtained his Master’s degree in Physics from Presidency College, Chennai, and later pursued further studies at the University of Cambridge.
  • Achievements: Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his groundbreaking work on light scattering, known as the Raman Effect.
  • Legacy: He went on to become the first Indian director of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and made significant contributions to scientific research in India.

About Raman Effect

The Raman Effect, discovered by C.V. Raman in 1928, refers to the inelastic scattering of light by molecules, leading to changes in the energy and wavelength of the scattered photons. This phenomenon, based on the interaction between light and matter, provides valuable insights into the vibrational and rotational modes of molecules, thereby revolutionizing the field of spectroscopy and paving the way for numerous applications in chemistry, physics, and materials science.

  • Discovery: In 1928, C.V. Raman discovered the Raman Effect, which involves the inelastic scattering of light by molecules, leading to changes in its frequency.
  • Significance: The Raman Effect has been crucial in understanding molecular structures and has applications in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and materials science.
  • Applications: The Raman Effect has diverse applications in various fields, including chemistry, biology, materials science, and pharmaceuticals, enabling researchers to study molecular composition and identify unknown substances.
  • Impact: This discovery established Raman as a pioneer in the field of spectroscopy and contributed significantly to the advancement of scientific knowledge globally.

National Science Day

Some Prominent Indian Scientists and their Contributions

Scientist Contribution
C.V. Raman
  • Discovered the Raman Effect, which explains how light interacts with matter. 
  • His work laid the foundation for Raman spectroscopy, used in chemistry, physics, and biology.
APJ Abdul Kalam
  • Played a key role in India’s missile and nuclear programs
  • He was the project director of SLV-III, India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle, and contributed to deploying the satellite Rohini in 1980.
Homi J Bhabha
  • Known as the father of India’s nuclear program. 
  • Founded the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and the Atomic Energy Commission.
Srinivasa Ramanujan
  • Self-taught mathematical genius who made extraordinary contributions to number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions. 
Hargobind Khorana
  • Won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1968 for his work on interpreting the genetic code and protein synthesis. 
  • His research laid the foundation for gene therapy.
Satyendra Nath Bose
  • Collaborated with Albert Einstein on the Bose-Einstein statistics, which laid the foundation for quantum mechanics. 
  • His work led to the discovery of the class of particles known as bosons.
Jagadish Chandra Bose
  • Made significant contributions to plant science and radio and microwave optics
  • Invented the crescograph to measure plant growth.

Important Science Days Celebrated in India

Important Science Days in India Brief Description
National Innovation Day – January 30
  • Commemorates the death anniversary of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, encouraging innovative thinking and solutions to address societal challenges.
National Biotechnology Day – April 5
  • Celebrated to mark the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. 
World Environment Day – June 5
  • Focuses on environmental issues and encourages global awareness and action to protect the environment. 
National Mathematics Day – December 22
  • Honors the birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan, recognizing his significant contributions to mathematics. 
  • Promotes the importance of mathematics in education.
National Technology Day – May 11
  • Marks the anniversary of India’s first successful nuclear test (Pokhran-II) in 1998
  • Celebrated to honor technological achievements and advancements in the country.
National Science Day – February 28
  • Commemorates the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman in 1928
  • Celebrated to promote the importance of science and technology in society.
National Space Day – August 23
  • It commemorate the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission with the landing of the Vikram lander and deployment of the Pragyaan Rover on the lunar surface.
  • India joins an elite group of Space faring nations becoming the fourth country to land on the moon and the first nation to and near to South pole of the moon.
World Science Day for Peace and Development – November 10
  • Emphasizes the role of science in promoting peace and sustainable development. 
  • Encourages public engagement in scientific issues and debates.
World Space Week – October 4-10
  • An international celebration of science and technology, dedicated to space exploration. Highlights the contributions of space science and technology to humanity.

Conclusion

Indian National Science Day serves as a tribute to the remarkable achievements of C.V. Raman and his groundbreaking discovery of the Raman Effect. It symbolizes India’s commitment to scientific excellence and innovation while promoting a culture of scientific inquiry and education nationwide. Through a diverse range of activities and initiatives, this day inspires and engages individuals of all ages to explore the wonders of science and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and technology for the betterment of society.

Also Read: Indian Nobel Prize Winners Complete List 1913 To 2023

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

It celebrates C.V. Raman's discovery and promotes scientific awareness and education.

Sir C.V. Raman and his assistant K.S. Krishnan discovered the Raman Effect in 1928.

Through workshops, exhibitions, lectures, competitions, and awareness campaigns nationwide.

Ministry of Science and Technology, DST, CSIR, Ministry of Education, NCSTC, and scientific institutions.

Nobel laureate C.V. Raman's work revolutionized physics and laid the foundation for scientific research in India.
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