National Science Day (NSD) is an annual celebration observed on 28 February to honor the discovery of the 'Raman Effect'. The Government of India officially designated this date as National Science Day in 1986. On this day in 1930, Sir C.V. Raman announced his groundbreaking discovery, for which he was later awarded the Nobel Prize.
To commemorate this significant event, various theme-based science communication activities are organized across the country. This initiative aims to promote scientific awareness and appreciation among people of all ages. Schools and colleges play a crucial role in celebrating NSD by organizing special events and activities related to science and technology.
In 2024, National Science Day will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 28th.
The theme for "National Science Day 2024"?is "Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat", the theme reflects a strategic focus on promoting public appreciation for Science, Technology, and Innovation. It also highlights the accomplishments of Indian scientists in addressing challenges through home-grown technologies for overall well-being.
The theme not only marks a new era but also presents an opportunity for the public and scientific fraternity, both domestically and internationally, to collaborate and work together. The goal is to contribute to the well-being of India and humanity as a whole. While emphasizing the importance of making India Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) through science, it underscores the need to address subjects that hold significance for humanity as a whole.
National Science Day is celebrated in India on 28th February each year to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Indian physicist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman on 28th February 1928. The Raman Effect is the phenomenon of the scattering of light when it passes through a transparent material, leading to a change in its wavelength and energy. This discovery was a significant contribution to the field of physics and earned Sir C.V. Raman the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, making him the first Indian to receive this prestigious award in science.
The Government of India officially designated 28th February as National Science Day in 1986 to honor Sir C.V. Raman's contribution to science and to promote scientific temper and knowledge among the people of India. The theme of National Science Day changes every year, and various events, workshops, exhibitions, and competitions are organized across the country to celebrate the day and to encourage scientific thinking and innovation among students and the general public.
In the wake of recent scientific achievements, India's meteoric rise over the past decade has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. The country now ranks among the top five nations in scientific research publications, a testament to its growing influence in the field of science and technology. Furthermore, India's remarkable climb in the Global Innovation Index (GII) from 81st rank in 2015 to 40th position today is a clear indication of its commitment to fostering innovation and creativity.
One of the key factors behind India's success story in science and technology is the strengthening of its S&T ecosystem. This has led to significant advancements in various fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Astronomy, Solar & Wind Energy, Semiconductors, Climate Research, Space Research, and Biotechnology. These breakthroughs have not only propelled India's scientific capabilities but have also had a tangible impact on the lives of its citizens.
A prime example of this is the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the south pole of the moon, making India the first country to achieve this feat. This milestone underscores India's prowess in space research and its ability to push the boundaries of scientific exploration.
Moreover, India's robust vaccine development capacity has been put to the test during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the country emerging as a global leader in vaccine production and distribution. This has not only helped in controlling the spread of the virus but has also showcased India's capabilities in the field of biotechnology.
Looking ahead, India is now gearing up to match the global stride in Quantum Technology, a field that holds immense promise for the future. The impact of Indian scientific breakthroughs is not limited to the realm of technology but is also significantly enhancing the 'Ease of Living' for the common man, thereby contributing to the overall well-being and prosperity of the nation.
National Science Day is celebrated across the nation as a science festival, with a plethora of activities aimed at promoting scientific temper among people of all age groups. Workshops, exhibitions of science movies, thematic exhibitions, live projects, debates, quiz competitions, and seminars are organized to engage and educate the public about the wonders of science.
The celebrations are marked by a spirit of enthusiasm, with a large number of people coming together to participate in various events. The Indian Department of Science and Technology, The Giant Metre Wave Radio Telescope (GMRT), The Councils of Science and Technology in every state, The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), The CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), and The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium are some of the major venues where grand-scale celebrations take place.
These activities not only showcase the achievements and advancements in science and technology but also inspire and motivate the next generation of scientists and innovators. National Science Day is a time to celebrate the spirit of inquiry, discovery, and innovation that drives the progress of humanity.
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