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National Science Day 2025: This day is observed on February 28 to honour Sir CV Raman’s discovery of the Raman Effect in 1928.
National Science Day 2025: India celebrates this day every year on February 28. (Image: Shutterstock)
National Science Day 2025: Scientific progress is the driving force behind development and India has long been home to brilliant minds whose contributions continue to inspire generations. These pioneering scientists have not only advanced knowledge but have also placed India on the global map through their groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. One such extraordinary figure was Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, widely known as CV Raman. His discovery of the Raman Effect revolutionised the field of physics and earned him the Nobel Prize. In recognition of this milestone, India celebrates National Science Day (NSD) on February 28.
National Science Day 2025: Theme
A unique theme is chosen every year for the occasion to highlight different aspects of scientific advancement. The theme for National Science Day 2025 is ‘Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat.’
National Science Day 2025: History
National Science Day is observed on February 28 to honour Sir CV Raman’s discovery of the Raman Effect in 1928, which later won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. The idea of commemorating this achievement was proposed by the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) in 1986. The Government of India officially declared February 28 as National Science Day. The first celebration took place in 1987.
The Raman Effect is a phenomenon in spectroscopy that describes how light changes wavelength when scattered by molecules. When a beam of light passes through a transparent substance, most of it continues unchanged, but a small fraction emerges with altered wavelengths, an effect that forms the basis of Raman spectroscopy.
National Science Day 2025: Significance
The primary goal of National Science Day is to promote awareness of science and its role in everyday life. It serves as one of India’s foremost science festivals, aiming to:
- Highlight the importance of scientific applications in daily life.
- Showcase advancements and achievements in science for the betterment of society.
- Discuss challenges and implement new technologies for scientific progress.
- Encourage public interest in science and technology.
National Science Day 2025: Key Facts About CV Raman
- CV Raman’s father was a mathematics and physics lecturer, nurturing an academic environment that influenced his intellectual growth.
- In his Nobel-winning research, CV Raman worked alongside KS Krishnan. While Krishnan did not share the Nobel Prize, Raman acknowledged his contributions in his acceptance speech.
- He became the first Asian and non-Caucasian to receive a Nobel Prize in science.
- When asked about his inspiration, CV Raman said the “wonderful blue opalescence of the Mediterranean Sea” during a trip to Europe in 1921 sparked his interest.
- Beyond light, he made pioneering contributions to acoustics, particularly in studying Indian musical instruments like the tabla and mridangam.
- Dr Ernest Rutherford, the discoverer of the atomic nucleus, praised Raman’s work during a 1929 Royal Society address, leading to Raman being knighted.
- In 1933, he became the first Indian director of the Indian Institute of Science (IIS), breaking the tradition of British leadership in the institution.
- His wife, Lokasundari Ammal, named their home Panchvati, after the place where Rama and Sita lived during exile.
- CV Raman was wary of government intervention in scientific research and refused funding that required bureaucratic oversight, advocating for independent science.
- He once pranked Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, making him believe copper was gold using ultraviolet light.
National Science Day 2025: Celebrations
National Science Day is marked by a variety of events across the country, including science exhibitions, public speeches, debates and quizzes in schools, colleges and research institutions. Scientists, educators, and students come together to celebrate the spirit of scientific inquiry and discovery. This year, a grand celebration will take place in the national capital, where the Department of Science and Technology (DST) will host a day-long event on February 28.
National Science Day 2025: 10 Quotes By CV Raman
- “Ask the right questions, and nature will open the doors to her secrets.”
- “The essence of the scientific spirit is to realize what a wonderful world it is that we live in.”
- “Science is a source of endless possibilities; it all depends on our willingness to explore and experiment.”
- “Science is a continuous journey; there is always something new and exciting to discover.”
- “True knowledge is gained not through rote learning, but through curiosity and the desire to explore.”
- “The best scientists are those who believe in the potential of their ideas, even when the world doubts them.”
- “Science should not be confined to the four walls of a laboratory, but should seep into all aspects of our lives.”
- “It is not enough to see beauty; one must also understand the scientific principles behind it.”
- “Science is a language that transcends boundaries; it is a universal tool for understanding the world.”
- “Every great discovery begins with an idea, nurtured by the passion to delve deeper into the unknown.”
As India celebrates National Science Day, it serves as a reminder of how curiosity, perseverance and innovation can shape the future. Through scientific excellence, India continues to empower its youth, fostering a generation of thinkers, innovators and global leaders in science and technology.
