National Science Day - 28th February 2023

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.

National Science Day is a great occasion to highlight the importance of science in the world and to encourage young minds to take up this subject. Learn about the history, objective, and theme of this day below.

Science Day 2023

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 2022 Theme

The theme for Science Day 2022 was "Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future." This theme focuses on the need to keep a sustainable future as a goal while delving into the world of science and technology. Every year, a new theme is chosen for National Science Day. Here is an overview of National Science Day -

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:

1. To recognize and appreciate all scientific activities, efforts, and achievements.
2. To promote and nourish interest in science and technology.
3. To encourage young people to learn more about science.
4. 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 Theme

Since 1999, National Science Day has been celebrated following specific themes every year. The previous year's themes of Science Day are as follows -

• 1999 - Our Changing Earth
• 2000 - Recreating Interest in Basic Science
• 2001 - Information Technology for Science Education
• 2002 - Wealth From Waste
• 2003 - 50 years of DNA & 25 years of IVF: The Blueprint of Life
• 2004 - Encouraging Scientific Awareness in the Community
• 2005 - Celebrating Physics
• 2006 - Nurture Nature for our Future
• 2007 - More Crop Per Drop
• 2008 - Understanding the Planet Earth
• 2009 - Expanding Horizons of Science
• 2010 - Gender Equity, Science & Technology for Sustainable Development
• 2011 - Chemistry in Daily Life
• 2012 - Clean Energy Options and Nuclear Safety
• 2013 - Genetically Modified Crops and Food Security
• 2014 - Fostering Scientific Temper and Energy Conservation
• 2015 - Science for Nation Building
• 2016 - Make in India: S&T Driven Innovation
• 2017 - Science and Technology for Specially Abled Persons
• 2018 - Science and Technology for Sustainable Future
• 2019 - Science for the People and the People for Science
• 2020 - Women in Science
• 2021 - Future of STI: Impact on Education Skills and Work
• 2022 - Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future

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 -

1. National S&T Communication Awards
2. The National Science Popularization awards
3. SERB Women Excellence Awards
4. Augmenting Writing Skills for Articulating Research (AWSAR) Awards
5. 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

FAQs on National Science Day

Q1. 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.

Q2. 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.

Q3. What was the theme for National Science Day 2022?

National Science Day 2022 theme was "Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future." This year's theme aimed to help people realize the importance of working for a sustainable future - be it in the field of science and technology or something else.

Q4. 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.