Have you ever wondered why February 28th is celebrated as National Science Day in India? It’s because of the remarkable discovery made by celebrated Indian Scientist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman. In 1928, he uncovered a fascinating phenomenon known as the ‘Raman Effect’ while studying the scattering of photons. This groundbreaking discovery earned him the Nobel Prize in 1930, marking India’s first Nobel Prize in the field of Science. To honor his discovery, National Science Day is celebrated every year on February 28th.
Declaration of National Science Day
In 1986, the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) urged the Government of India to officially recognize February 28th as National Science Day. The government accepted the proposal, and in 1986, declared February 28th as National Science Day. The inaugural celebration took place on February 28th, 1987.
Understanding the Raman Effect
The Raman Effect, discovered by Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, is a phenomenon in spectroscopy. While conducting experiments at the laboratory of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science in Kolkata, Raman observed a change in the wavelength of light when it was deflected by molecules. This effect occurs when a light beam passes through a dust-free, transparent sample of a chemical compound. While most of the scattered light maintains its original wavelength, a small fraction exhibits wavelengths different from the incident light, leading to the observation of the Raman Effect.
Purpose of National Science Day Celebration
The main goal of celebrating National Science Day is to spread awareness about the importance of science and its practical applications among people. It’s considered one of India’s major science festivals, and it serves several purposes:
- Promoting the Significance of Science: National Science Day aims to highlight how scientific knowledge is essential in our everyday lives.
- Showcasing Scientific Achievements: The celebration provides a platform to showcase the efforts and accomplishments in the field of science that benefit humanity.
- Discussion and Implementation of New Technologies: It facilitates discussions on various scientific issues and encourages the adoption of new technologies for scientific advancement.
- Encouraging Scientific Inquiry: National Science Day encourages individuals with an interest in science to explore and engage in scientific pursuits.
- Popularizing Science and Technology: Through various activities and events, the celebration seeks to make science and technology more accessible and appealing to the general public.
Activities on National Science Day
During National Science Day, students, schools, colleges, and national and state science institutions participate in various activities:
- Science Projects Demonstration: Students showcase their science projects, demonstrating practical applications of scientific concepts.
- Research Exhibitions: Science institutions present their latest research findings and innovations.
- Public Speeches and Talk Shows: Experts deliver speeches and participate in radio and TV talk shows to discuss scientific topics.
- Science Exhibitions and Movie Screenings: Exhibitions and screenings of science-themed movies aim to educate and entertain attendees.
- Night Sky Observation: Participants have the opportunity to observe celestial objects in the night sky.
- Debates and Quiz Competitions: Engaging in debates and quiz competitions encourages critical thinking and promotes scientific knowledge.
- Lectures and Model Exhibitions: Lectures by experts and exhibitions of scientific models further enrich the understanding of science among participants.
In Short
In conclusion, National Science Day is celebrated to emphasize the importance of science and its practical applications in daily life. Through various activities and events, the day aims to spread awareness about scientific achievements, encourage scientific inquiry, and promote the adoption of new technologies for the betterment of society. By celebrating National Science Day, we inspire curiosity, foster innovation, and highlight the vital role that science and technology play in shaping our world for the better.