Recently, India’s scientific community received an acknowledgement from no less than the Prime Minister himself on the occasion of National Science Day (28th February). The national celebration is dedicated to the monumental discovery made by Nobel laureate and Physicist CV Raman back in 1928.
A Glimpse Into the History of National Science Day
National Science Day (NSD) has been celebrated annually on February 28 since its establishment in 1986. Advocated by the National Council for Science & Technology, they garnered support from the Government of India to honor the day CV Raman discovered the Raman Effect. Since 1987, the event has spread its influence across the country, celebrated in schools, colleges, universities, and other educational, scientific, technical, medical, and research establishments.
Purpose of Celebrating National Science Day
The foremost aim of this annual event is to spread awareness about the significance of science and its effects on daily life. It is through cultivating a scientific temper, popularizing science, and encouraging innovative activities that we can stimulate the masses with a scientific mindset, and create a thriving scientific research culture. In supporting the celebration of NSD, the National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC) of the Ministry of Science and Technology plays a crucial role.
A Look at 2022’s Theme: Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for Sustainable Future
Every year, a theme is chosen to direct the focus of the celebrations. This year, “Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for Sustainable Future” sets the tone. This theme encourages an extended scientific intervention in engineering, medical, and other institutions. It encourages collaboration between different ministries to focus on identified needs and promote a science-driven all-inclusive approach integrating startups and industries.
The Man Behind the Discovery: CV Raman
Chandrashekhara Venkata Raman, a physicist from Tamil Nadu, is the reason the National Science Day is observed. His ground-breaking work in the field of light scattering earned him the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1930. This phenomenon was later named the “Raman Effect”. For his contribution, he was awarded India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 1954.
Understanding the Raman Effect
Put simply, the Raman Effect is a change in the wavelength of light that occurs when a light beam is deflected by molecules. This effect, which is also known as Raman scattering, happens when a beam of light traverses a dust-free, transparent sample of a chemical compound. While most of this scattered light remains unchanged in wavelength, a small part changes its wavelength owing to the Raman Effect. This discovery forms the backbone of Raman spectroscopy, a powerful tool used by chemists and physicists to gain information about various materials. Spectroscopy studies the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation, and the Raman Effect has revolutionized this field.
National Science Day serves as a reminder of the importance of scientific advancements and their role in shaping our world. As such, it encourages every individual to appreciate, embrace, and propagate the significance of science in everyday life.
