National Science Day on February 28 | For India to Excel in Scientific Temperament

National Science Day on February 28
National Science Day is celebrated every year on February 28 in India.
National Science Day on February 28
National Science Day is celebrated every year on February 28 in India.

National Science Day, is celebrated annually with the focus on discoveries and developments. The theme of the year 2020 on National Science Day is “Women in Science”.

India is not behind in scientific achievements. The country has made a significant contribution to the scientific world since the ancient age. Currently, Indian scientists and technocrats are doing a tremendous job in the technical up gradation in every sphere of science and technology. The key event on this day takes place at the Vigyan Bhavan in Delhi, where the president of the country along with other dignitaries attend the programme.

The National Science Day –  A Tribute to CV Raman

The National Science Day (NSD) is celebrated in India on February 28 annually to commemorate the invention of the ‘Raman Effect’ by the great Indian physicist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman on February 28, 1928. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his remarkable discovery that when light interacts with a molecule, the light can donate a small amount of energy to the molecule. He was the second Indian after Rabindranath Tagore who received this coveted award.

 Science in the blood of Raman

The noted science wizard was born in Madras. He was a brilliant student from childhood. He worked as a civil servant and became a lecturer of physics as well. But he aimed to do something extraordinary and different from others. He showed more interest in his research assignments. Therefore, he joined the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS). On this day, the eminent scientist discovered the Raman effect based on experiments when molecules deflect a light beam. CV Raman was also conferred with the Bharat Ratna and the Lenin Peace Prize for his stupendous service in science. 

 NSD began in 1987

The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) had suggested the Union Government in 1986 to choose February 28 as the National Science Day (NSD) in the memory of CV Raman. The Rajiv Gandhi led government had given its nod and declared February 28 as NSD. Meanwhile, the maiden National Science Day was observed on February 28, 1987, on this day NCSTC declared to set up the National Science Popularization awards for the promotion of scientific temperament in the country. 

 A path to create awareness

National Science Day is celebrated all over the country in schools, colleges, universities and research institutions to spread the significance of science in day to day life of people. The celebration includes public speeches on digital media by eminent persons, science movies, exhibitions, quiz competitions to promote scientific awareness amongst the people. On this day, discussion regarding the issues, challenges, new invention and its applications also takes place for the development of science. 

 Aim of NSD 2020

The theme of the National Science Day 2020 is “Women in Science.” As the theme suggests, women are given top priority by the government in India to excel in science and technology. Indian women have made their mark in science for a long time. In recent years, many women have joined the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as scientists. 

 Lack of women in noted places

Women are an integral part of schools and colleges as science and mathematics teachers and professors. It is undeniable the presence of women in premier institutions like IITs, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, and so on is not at all satisfactory. The overall percentage of women as professors and at higher levels is woefully low.

This problem is global, not specific to India. Participation of women at higher levels is low even in Europe and the US. Efforts are being made to bring more and more women in Indian in the science and technology domain.

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