National Science Day 2022: History, theme and significance 

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Indians have made several contributions to the world of science and technology for a long time. One such name in this field is that of Sir Chandrasekhara Venkat Raman. In 1921, on his way home from London aboard a ship, Indian physicist, C V Raman was struck by a question, ‘Why is the sea really blue?’ The answer that the sea reflected the blue colour of the sky didn’t satisfy him.  

Continuing his research on this topic, Raman published a theory on February 28, 1928 called Raman Scattering or the Raman Effect. For this discovery, he went on to become the first Asian to receive Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. To commemorate the Raman Effect achievement, we celebrate February 28 as National Science Day in India since 1986 every year. 

What is the Raman Effect and where is it used? 

Sir C V Raman is said to have discovered the Raman Effect while working at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science's laboratory in Kolkata. What he gave to the world through his theory is known as the Raman Effect today. In simple words, Raman Scattering or Raman Effect refers to the change in wavelength of light that occurs when a beam of light is deflected by molecules. The Raman Effect is used in the field of spectroscopic analysis.  

What is the theme for National Science Day 2022? 

Science has made our lives easier and simpler than once mankind could have imagined. Hence, the National Science Day has been celebrated with a particular theme every year. The Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh recently announced the theme for National Science Day 2022 – ‘Integrated Approach to Science and Technology for Sustainable Future’. He emphasised on adopting a four-fold integrated approach where all the scientific departments can work on theme-based projects instead of silos. 

How is National Science Day celebrated in India? 

All around the country, theme-based science communication initiatives are carried out on this day by schools, colleges and universities. Some of the popular activities conducted on this day include the following: 

  • Public speeches 
  • Radio and TV talk shows 
  • Screening of science movies 
  • Science exhibitions based on different themes and concepts 
  • Debates, quiz competitions and lectures 

What awards are given on National Science Day? 

To encourage more individuals for taking up science as career, the Department of Science and Technology has also instituted a few awards that are given on National Science Day every year. Some of them are mentioned below: 

  • National Awards for Science Popularisation  
  • SERB Women Excellence Award  
  • Rajendra Prabhu Memorial Appreciation Shield 
  • Augmenting Writing Skills for Articulating Research Award 

Topics

  • National Science Day 2022
  • Sir C V Raman
  • The Raman Effect