India celebrates 28th February every year as the National Science Day, but do you know why and for what is observed?

You might have heard of Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, a well-known Indian scientist. He discovered a phenomenon of photon scattering on this day in 1928, which became known as the ‘Raman Effect’ after his name. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for this remarkable discovery two years later, in 1930, and it was India’s first Nobel Prize in Science. Every year on this day, India commemorates the discovery of this famous phenomenon with National Science Day.

When did National Science Day come into existence?

The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) requested that the Government of India designate February 28 as National Science Day in 1986, which the then-Government of India accepted and declared in 1986. On February 28, 1987, the first National Science Day was observed.

What is the Raman Effect, and how does it work?

The Raman Effect is a spectroscopy phenomenon discovered by the eminent physicist while working at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science’s laboratory in Kolkata.

When a light beam is deflected by molecules, the Raman Effect causes a change in the wavelength of light. A small fraction of light that passes through a dust-free, transparent sample of a chemical compound emerges in directions other than the incident (incoming) beam. The majority of the scattered light is of the same wavelength. However, a small portion has wavelengths that differ from the incident light; its presence is due to the Raman Effect.

Interesting facts about the National Science day

National Science day is a very prestigious occasion for the celebration of the scientific achievements of our country. Let’s have a look at some interesting facts about National Science Day. 

• On February 28, 1987, India commemorated its first National Science Day.
• The Department of Science and Technology’s National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) is the nodal agency for supporting and coordinating National Science Day celebrations across the country, particularly in scientific institutions and research laboratories.
• Public speeches, radio and television programmes, science movies, science exhibitions on themes and concepts, debates, quiz competitions, lectures, and science model exhibitions are all held to commemorate National Science Day.
• On National Science Day, November 7, 2013, Google released a doodle in honour of C.V. Raman’s 125th birthday and contributions to science.

Interesting facts about CV Raman

• Raman excelled in school, passing the matriculation exam at the age of eleven. He passed the Intermediate-level exam two years later and enrolled in the Presidency College in 1902.
• Raman received his bachelor’s degree in Physics in 1904, earning first place and a gold medal. He earned his master’s degree after three years.
• He was conducting research at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) in Calcutta while teaching at the University of Calcutta.
• He was also the first to investigate the harmonic nature of the mridangam and tabla, as he was fascinated by the acoustics of musical instruments.
• In 1933, CV Raman was named the first Indian director of the Indian Institute of Science (IIS).
• Raman became India’s first National Professor after the country’s independence in 1947.
• In 1954, CV Raman was awarded the highest civilian award in India, the Bharat Ratna.
• Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 “for his work on light scattering and the discovery of the effect named after him,” according to the academy citation.

International Science Day

Every year on November 10th, the world celebrates International Science Day!

The importance of science in society is highlighted on International Science Day, also known as World Science Day for Peace and Development.

It also emphasizes the importance of involving the general public in debates about emerging scientific issues around the world.

Key Takeaways 

The National Science Day is observed across the country to inspire future generations of scientists and to raise awareness of Indian contributions to science and technology. On this day, many educational programmes and events are held for students in schools and colleges. 

We all know that India has come a long way when we talk about developments in Science. Our country has seen brilliant minds not only in the field of science but in various other fields. 

Days like National Science day should be celebrated enthusiastically and everyone should know its importance. Now, you know the significance of the day so do tell your friends and family! 

Also published on Medium.