The Government of India has given a commemorative nod to scientific achievement by inaugurating February 28 as the National Science Day. This initiative, which originated in 1986, was spurred by a groundbreaking discovery known as the “Raman Effect.” The theme for this year’s celebration emphasizes the importance of global scientific contributions for enhancing worldwide wellbeing, given the backdrop of India presiding over G20.
The Raman Effect
The Raman Effect is a notable scientific concept that won its discoverer, physicist CV Raman, the Nobel Prize in 1930. It explains the phenomenon of inelastic scattering of light when it interacts with matter, thus causing a change in the light’s frequency. To break it down, imagine a ray of light deflected by molecules, resulting in an alteration in its wavelength. The principle behind this effect is fundamental for Raman spectroscopy, a tool used by chemists and physicists to obtain information about different materials. In essence, spectroscopy studies the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation.
Indian Nobel Laureates in Science
Over the years, various Indian scientists have earned the prestigious Nobel prize. Har Gobind Khurana won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1968 for his work in elucidating the genetic code and its function in protein synthesis. Physicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1983 for his research on the physical processes integral to the structure and evolution of stars. In 2009, Venkatraman Ramakrishnan received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his groundbreaking work on the structure and function of the ribosome.
India’s Contributions to Science
Mathematics
India has been a significant contributor to mathematics, forming the foundation of concepts such as zero, the decimal system, algebra, and trigonometry. Renowned Indian mathematicians including Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, and Ramanujan have made pioneering contributions in this sphere.
Astronomy
Aryabhatta, the ancient Indian astronomer, made substantial strides in astronomy. His work led to the determination of the Earth’s circumference, the discovery of lunar nodes, and the development of the heliocentric model of the solar system. The Jyotisa Vedanga, the first Vedic text mentioning astronomical data, records events dating back to 4000 BCE.
Medicine
Ayurveda, one of the oldest medical systems globally, originated in India. Ancient Indian texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita mentioned detailed descriptions of various medical conditions and their treatments.
Technology
India’s track record in technological innovation spans metallurgy, shipbuilding, and textile production. Historical evidence of sophisticated sewage and drainage systems can be traced back to the ancient civilization of Mohenjo-Daro in the Indus Valley over 4,500 years ago.
Space Exploration
India’s recent achievements in space exploration include successful missions such as the Mars Orbiter in 2014 and the Chandrayaan. Furthermore, Gaganyaan, the nation’s first human space mission, is set to launch in 2024.
Finally, the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2020 featured a question highlighting the deep intertwining of science with our lives and how science-based technologies have brought about significant changes in agriculture.
The source of information for this article is IE.
