National Science Day: History, Objective, Speech, FAQs
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National Science Day – 28th February
National Science Day is an annual celebration observed in India on 28th February to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect, for which the Indian physicist C.V. Raman won the Nobel Prize. In 1986, upon the request of the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), 28th February was designated as National Science Day by the Government of India.
Science Day
National Science Day aims to spread awareness about the contribution of C.V. Raman, an Indian physicist, in discovering the Raman Effect on 28th February 1928. This effect refers to the inelastic scattering of photons by matter, which results in the exchange of energy and change in the direction of light. This was a significant discovery for which Raman received a Noble Prize in Physics in 1930.
Science Day honors both this discovery and the brilliant discoverer. Therefore, the day is celebrated widely in India, with various educational institutions participating in the celebration.
About C.V. Raman:
- Dr. Chandrasekhar Venkata Raman was a well-known scientist and physicist with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Presidency College in Madras.
- In addition to his government activities, he participated in many science contests and received a grant from the Government of India.
- While working in the laboratory of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, in 1928, he discovered a spectroscopic phenomenon that is now known as the Raman effect.
- He won the Nobel Prize for this amazing discovery in 1930. This was the first Indian Nobel Prize in the field of science.
National Science Day – History
In 1986, the National Council for Science, Technology, and Communications (NCSTC), requested the central government to declare 28th February as the national science day date. This is not only to commemorate Sir C.V. Raman’s achievements but also to recognize the achievements in the scientific field of other scientists.
After the first National Science Day on 28th February 1987, the NCSTC announced the creation of the National Science Promotion Award, which recognizes individuals for their contributions to science and communication.
Science Day – Objectives
Science Day is celebrated by spreading the importance and improvement of science in the daily lives of the general public. This celebration also has the following goals in mind:
- To recognize and appreciate all scientific activities, efforts, and achievements.
- To promote and nourish interest in science and technology.
- To encourage young people to learn more about science.
- The Department of Science and Technology established the National Awards in 1987 to encourage, stimulate and recognize outstanding efforts of scientists in the dissemination of science and the promotion of scientific disposition.
National Science Day – Awards and Recognition
On National Science Day, many National Awards are conferred to prestigious scientists who made a difference in the field and dedicated uncompromised time and effort to science. The list of the awards is as follows –
National S&T Communication Awards
- The National Science Popularization awards
- SERB Women Excellence Awards
- Augmenting Writing Skills for Articulating Research (AWSAR) Awards
- The Rajendra Prabhu Memorial Appreciation Shield
National Science Day Activities
As National Science Day is celebrated widely across the nations, many organizations and institutions celebrate the day by conducting activities like –
- Public speaking
- Science films
- Science exhibitions
- Science-related events
- Competitions
Q. When is National Science Day celebrated?
National Science Day is celebrated on 28th February every year in India. This is an annual national observance in India to honor the work of the Indian physicist C.V. Raman and his discovery of the Raman Effect. Science Day aims to motivate people to take up science.
Q. Why is National Science Day celebrated?
National Science Day is celebrated every year in India to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect. The Indian physicist C.V. Raman received the Nobel Prize in Physics for this discovery in 1930. Science Day is also a day to honor the works of other scientists in India.
Q. Who declared 28th February as National Science Day?
The NCSTC requested the Government of India to celebrate 28th February as National Science Day. India accepted and officiated Science Day in 1986. The first National Science Day was celebrated on 28th February 1987.