Nancy Sharma
Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman ( C.V. Raman) one of the great physicist born in a small village of Tamil Nadu now remembered every year with respect on 28th Feb on the occasion of National Science Day. He is best known for his discovery of the Raman Effect in 1928 and he was the first scientist, first Asian and non-white person who received Noble Prize in 1930. He initially worked as a government officer but pursued research at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata. He founded the Raman Research Institute in Bangalore in 1948. He also awarded with Bharat Ratna in 1954, India’s highest civilian honor.
What is Raman Effect?
The Raman Effect is a phenomena of scattering of light when it passes through a transparent medium such as liquid or gas, leading to a change in the wavelength of scattered light.
This effect is important as it helps scientists to analyze the composition of substances. It further applied in various fields- Chemistry & Physics, Medical Science, Forensic Science and Astronomy.
National Science Day
National Science Day is celebrated each year on 28th Feb since 1987 to honor the discovery of Raman Effect. Science plays a dominant role in shaping our lives and encourage logical thinking among people.
It emphasize on honoring scientific achievements of nation’s scientists- A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Homi Bhabha, C.V. Raman and many more. Also raise awareness about influence of science in- healthcare, space technology, industries and agriculture. Promotes critical thinking, problem solving and rational decision making. Encourages discussions on climate change, renewable energy, space exploration and sustainable development.
It is a reminder of past achievements but a reminder of the importance of science and innovation in solving real-world problems. Encourage curiosity, discovery and progress.
Every year Government organizations celebrate it with new and unique themes to inspire young mind to take active role in innovations and techniques which helps people to think more critically and logically in nearby future.
Major Contributions of Scientists
1.Physics
Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727) – Discovered the laws of motion and gravity, laying the foundation for classical mechanics.
Albert Einstein (1879-1955) – Developed the theory of relativity, revolutionizing our understanding of space, time, and energy.
Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) – Pioneered alternating current (AC) electricity, which powers modern electrical grids.
C.V. Raman (1888-1970) – Discovered the Raman Effect, which helped in understanding molecular structures through light scattering.
- Chemistry
Dmitri Mendeleev (1834-1907) – Created the Periodic Table, organizing elements based on their properties.
Marie Curie (1867-1934) – Discovered radioactivity and the elements radium and polonium, leading to advancements in medicine and nuclear physics.
Antoine Lavoisier (1743-1794) – Known as the “Father of Modern Chemistry”, he discovered the role of oxygen in combustion. - Biology & Medicine
Charles Darwin (1809-1882) – Proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection in On the Origin of Species.
Gregor Mendel (1822-1884) – Established the laws of inheritance, which became the foundation of genetics.
Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) – Developed pasteurization, proved the germ theory of disease, and created vaccines for rabies and anthrax.
Alexander Fleming (1881-1955) – Discovered penicillin, the first antibiotic, saving millions of lives. - Space & Astronomy
Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) – Improved the telescope and provided evidence for the heliocentric model (Earth orbits the Sun).
Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) – Formulated the laws of planetary motion, explaining how planets orbit the Sun.
Edwin Hubble (1889-1953) – Discovered that the universe is expanding, leading to the Big Bang theory. - Computer Science & Technology
Alan Turing (1912-1954) – Developed the concept of modern computing and helped break the German Enigma code during WWII.
Tim Berners-Lee (born 1955) – Invented the World Wide Web (WWW), transforming global communication.
Theme of the Year 2025
The theme of the year 2025 is “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat.” Motive behind the particular theme is to encourage our young generation to take active participation in science and innovation by fully utilizing their ingenious mind and critical understanding in various fields so that they can come forward as a global leader as our nation is already considered as global superpower. Young mind is the only source that can take our country at new heights and make everyone pleased. Nurturing young talent lead to scientific and innovation set out, contributing to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation.
This day motivate young minds to explore STEM(science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, promotes critical analyses in society, and emphasizes the role of science In solving global challenges like climate change, healthcare, and space survey.
As we celebrate National Science Day, we must engage in stimulate innovation, curiosity, and scientific excellence to build a better future. Science is not just about discoveries-it’s about understanding the world and using knowledge for the benefit of humanity.
Government Institutions that play important role
1.National Council for Science and Technology Communication(NCSTC): nodal agency for coordinating and supporting the celebration.
2.Department of Science and Technology(DST): promote science & technology, including organizing &supporting the National Science Day.
3.Council of Scientific and Industrial Research(CSIR): collaborates with DST to coordinate nationwide celebrations.
4.Indian National Science Academy(INSA): collaborate with other organizations to promote and coordinate the celebrations.
Conclusions
The day serves as a reminder of the importance of scientific research, innovation, and technological advancements in solving real-world problems. It encourages students, researchers, and the general public to engage in scientific thinking and curiosity. Through various programs, exhibitions, and discussions, National Science Day spreads awareness about how science contributes to progress in various fields.
Moreover, it inspires young minds to pursue careers in science and technology, helping India move towards becoming a knowledge-driven and self-sufficient nation. By celebrating scientific achievements and promoting innovation, National Science Day plays a vital role in building a brighter, more developed future for the country and the world.
(The writer is a mass communication student at Central University of Jammu)