National Science Day 2024: 11 Lesser Known Facts About Indian Physicist CV Raman

In India, February 28th is celebrated as National Science Day (NSD). The theme for National Science Day 2024 is 'Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat'. This day honours the discovery of the 'Raman Effect' by Sir C.V. Raman, which led to him winning the Nobel Prize.

In 1986, the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) requested the Government of India to declare February 28th as National Science Day. The government accepted this request, and since then, February 28th has been celebrated as National Science Day.

The Raman Effect, discovered by Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman in 1928, is a phenomenon in spectroscopy. It involves a change in the wavelength of light when a light beam is deflected by molecules. This discovery earned Raman the Nobel Prize in 1930, making it the first Nobel Prize for India in the field of Science. He made this discovery while working at the laboratory of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science in Kolkata.

In simple terms, the Raman Effect occurs when a beam of light passes through a dust-free, transparent sample of a chemical compound. A small fraction of the light emerges in directions other than that of the incident beam. Most of this scattered light has the same wavelength as the incident light, but a small part has different wavelengths, which is the result of the Raman Effect.

As the nation gets ready to celebrate National Science Day 2024 tomorrow, let's take a moment to appreciate the accomplishments of Dr. CV Raman by learning some interesting things about him.

1. Introduction to CV Raman

Dr. Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, a renowned Indian physicist, was born on November 7th, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, Southern India. His father, a lecturer in mathematics and physics, instilled in him a passion for academics from an early age.

2. Academic Journey

Raman's academic journey began at Presidency College, Madras, where he excelled in physics, winning the gold medal in his B.A. examination in 1904 and obtaining his M.A. degree with the highest distinctions in 1907.

3. Early Research in Optics and Acoustics

Even as a student, Raman's interest in optics and acoustics was evident. He conducted his earliest research in these fields and continued to dedicate his entire career to them.

4. Career in the Indian Finance Department

Despite his scientific inclinations, Raman initially joined the Indian Finance Department in 1907. However, he managed to pursue experimental research at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science in Calcutta.

5. Palit Chair of Physics and Beyond

In 1917, Raman was offered the Palit Chair of Physics at Calcutta University, marking the beginning of his academic career. He later became a Professor at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore and eventually founded the Raman Institute of Research.

6. Contributions to Indian Science

Raman's contributions to Indian science were vast. He founded the Indian Journal of Physics, initiated the Proceedings of the Indian Academy of Sciences, and served as President of the Current Science Association, Bangalore.

7. Nobel Prize in Physics

Raman's most significant discovery came on February 28th, 1928, when he discovered the Raman Effect, which led to his Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.

8. Research Beyond the Raman Effect

Apart from the Raman Effect, Raman conducted research on various topics, including the diffraction of light by acoustic waves, the effects of X-rays on infrared vibrations, and the structure and properties of diamond and iridescent substances.

9. Honors and Recognition

Throughout his career, Raman received numerous honorary doctorates and memberships of scientific societies. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1924 and was knighted in 1929.

10. Legacy and Influence

Raman's legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists in India and around the world. His contributions to optics, acoustics, and crystal dynamics have left an indelible mark on the scientific community.

11. National Science Day

National Science Day is a special day in India. It happens every year on February 28. This day is to remember and honor Dr. C.V. Raman. He found something very important in science. It's called the Raman Effect. It helped us understand more about light and how it works.

As we celebrate National Science Day in 2024, let us remember the remarkable achievements of CV Raman and the impact he has had on the field of science. His dedication, passion, and groundbreaking discoveries serve as a testament to the power of scientific inquiry and exploration.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit?Indiatimes Events.