Indian National Science Day

Indian National Science Day

Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, FRS

(7 November 1888 – 21 November 1970)

National Science Day is celebrated in India on February 28th every year to mark the discovery of Raman effect by Sir C.V. Raman. The event is commemorated in honour of Sir C.V. Raman for his legacy and discovery of the Raman effect on February 28, 1928, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930.

The basic objective of observation of National Science Day is to spread the message of importance of science and its application among the people. This is essential to accelerate the pace of development. Even in the 21st century and despite many significant achievements certain sections of our society are still guided by blind faith and beliefs, which is reflected in the quality of decision making on developmental issues.

History of National Science Day

In 1986, the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) asked the Government of India to designate February 28 as National Science Day (NSD). The day is now celebrated all over the country in schools, colleges, universities and other academic, scientific, technical, medical and research institutions. On the occasion of the first NSD (28 February 1987) NCSTC announced institution of the National Science Popularization awards for recognizing outstanding efforts in the area of science communication and popularization, which have been given annually since 1988.

Significance

National Science Day offers an opportunity to bring issues of science on to centre stage. The activities organized on the occasion provide public with an occasion to personally attend various programmes and be aware of the emerging issues of immediate concern. Organizing activities with the involvement of large number of people results into purposeful interaction between the science fraternity and the common people for mutual benefit. The activities include debates, quiz competitions, exhibitions, lectures, etc., involving college and school students and teachers. All programmes and activities revolve round a theme selected for focus every year.

It helps inculcate scientific temper among school children. Health and hygiene issues are prime concerns for the common people. The daily application of science like the use of clean drinking water, knowledge to eradicate contagious disease, the know how of various agricultural practices to increase crop production, the usefulness of biodiversity conservation, etc., should be disseminated to the future generation.

Science has contributed a lot towards welfare of humanity.