National Science Day is celebrated on February 28th every year to honor the discovery of the Raman effect by Indian Physicist Sir Chandrashekhar Venkata Raman, also known as C.V. Raman. The discovery was announced on 28th February 1928 and Raman won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. He was the first Indian to receive the Nobel Prize in the scientific field. 

The Raman effect

The change in the wavelength of light occurs when a light beam is deflected by molecules. When a beam of light traverses a dust-free, transparent sample of a chemical compound, a small fraction of the light emerges in directions other than that of the incident (incoming) beam. Most of this scattered light is of unchanged wavelength. A small part, however, has wavelengths different from that of the incident light; its presence is a result of the Raman effect.

The Raman effect is used in Raman Spectroscopy, it is a technique used to identify and analyze the chemical composition of materials. 

Theme

The theme of National Science Day 2023 is 'Global Science for Global Wellbeing'.

First National Science Day

The idea of celebrating National Science Day was first proposed by the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) in 1986, and afterward, it was acknowledged by the Indian Government. The first National Science Day was celebrated on February 28th, 1987.

Mission

The day is celebrated with the aim to recognize and appreciate the contributions of scientists and researchers in the field of science. In addition to this, the day also aims to create awareness about the importance of science and its application in everyday life. This promotes scientific discoveries and encourages young minds to take up careers in science and do discoveries. 

Themes of past National Science Day

2020 – Science and Technology for a sustainable future

2019 – Science and Technology for indigenous development of India

2017 – Science and Technology for Specially abled Persons