Every year on February 28, India commemorates Indian scientist CV Raman’s groundbreaking achievement in the realm of light scattering with National Science Day. Raman’s work has often shown to be useful in modern science, and his life has been a source of inspiration for many. He is known as one of the finest scientists and an inspiration too many.
CV Raman was well-known even during his school and university years, as he always placed first. He has made significant contributions to the fields of acoustics and optics. Raman was the first Palit Professor of Physics at Rajabazar Science College, having been appointed in 1917.
National Science Day’s Importance
The NSD (National Science Day) is commemorated in order to spread awareness about the importance of science and how it affects the lives of ordinary people. It also has the following goals in mind for its celebration.
- Display all science-related activities, initiatives, and accomplishments.
- To create opportunities for Indian citizens interested in science.
- To pique people’s interest in science and technology and to encourage them to pursue careers in these fields.
Why is February 28th recognized as National Science Day?
Every year, India commemorates National Science Day to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. Raman became intrigued after viewing the blue color of the Mediterranean Sea during a trip to Europe in 1921, which drove him to do numerous experiments with transparent surfaces, ice blocks, and light.
After passing light through ice cubes, Raman noticed a shift in wavelength. Soon after, he communicated his discovery to the rest of the globe, igniting a new craze. Raman’s work was published, and it quickly became well-known in the scientific world.
Theme for National Science Day 2022
Every year, National Science Day is commemorated with a different topic, and the theme for 2022 is “Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for Sustainable Future.”
Various scientific-related programmes, including as public lectures, radio broadcasts, science exhibitions, debates, quiz competitions, and so on, will be held around the country in educational institutes, schools, and universities.
On the occasion of National Science Day on February 28, 2022, Prime Minister Modi hailed scientists and science lovers and reaffirmed his commitment to leveraging science’s capacity for human growth.
Indian Scientists who changed the world!
1. CV RAMAN
In 1930, Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his pioneering efforts on light scattering. He was the first Asian and non-White to receive a Nobel Prize in the sciences, having been born in Tiruchirapalli on November 7, 1888. Raman also focused on musical instrument acoustics. He was the first to examine the harmonic nature of Indian drum sounds like the tabla and mridangam.
When light passes through a transparent substance, he noticed that some of the deflected light changes wavelength. The Raman Effect causes this phenomena, which is now known as Raman scattering.
2. Homi J. Bhabha
Homi Jehangir Bhabha, who was born in Bombay on October 30, 1909, was a key figure in Quantum Theory.
He was the first Indian to hold the position of Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission. Bhabha returned to India after beginning his professional career in nuclear physics in the Great Britain, where he played a crucial role in persuading the Congress Party’s senior officials, most notably Jawaharlal Nehru, to begin the ambitious nuclear programme.
Bhabha is widely regarded as the father of nuclear power in India.But only few people are aware that he was adamantly opposed to India producing atomic bombs, even if the country had the ability to do so. Instead, he proposed that the manufacturing of an atomic reactor be used to alleviate India’s poverty and misery.
3. Visvesvaraya (Visvesvaraya)
Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, who was born on September 15, 1860, was a renowned Indian engineer, scholar, statesman, and the Diwan of Mysore from 1912 to 1918. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the highest honour bestowed by the Indian Republic.
Sir M V urged that India try to catch up to industrialized nations because he believes that industry can help India prosper. He is credited with designing the ‘automated sluice gates’ and the ‘block irrigation system,’ both of which are today considered engineering wonders. Engineer’s Day is observed in India on his birthday, September 15th.
4. Venkatraman Radhakrishnan
Venkatraman Radhakrishnan was born in Tondaripet, a Chennai suburb, on May 18, 1929.
Venkataraman was a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and a world-renowned space scientist. He was an internationally renowned astronomer as well as a designer and builder of ultralight aircraft and sailboats.
Many puzzles involving pulsars, interstellar clouds, galaxy and other celestial bodies were solved because to his observations and theoretical ideas.
5. S. Chandrashekar
He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1983 for his mathematical theory of black holes. He was born on October 19, 1910, in Lahore, British India.
He is commemorated with the Chandrasekhar limit. He was CV Raman’s nephew. Chandra became a citizen of the United States in 1953.
His most well-known work is on the energy radiation from stars, particularly white dwarf stars, which are the dying remnants of stars.
National Science Day has a long and illustrious history.
In 1986, the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) petitioned the central government to declare February 28th as National Science Day (NSD). It was done to recognize not only Sir C.V. Raman’s achievements but also those of other scientists who have made significant contributions to science.
National Science Day is observed in schools, colleges, universities, and other institutions across India once it has been approved. The National Council for Science and Technology Communication announced the introduction of the National Science Popularization Awards on February 28, 1987, following the first NSD. These awards recognized individuals for their contributions to science and communication.
Summary
Modern India has placed a high emphasis on science and technology, recognizing that it is a critical component of economic development. In the field of scientific research, India is ranked among the top five countries in the world, and it is one of the top five nations in the field of space exploration.
Scientific institutes such as Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MOES), and organizations such as VigyanBharati and Jan VigyanVedika, among others, are frantically working in this subject to represent India at a higher level.
