National Science Day: 28 February

Why in News?

• National Science Day is celebrated every year on 28 February in India.
• The main objective of this day is to spread awareness among people about science and technology and promote scientific thinking.

Theme of National Science Day 2025:  "Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for VIKSIT BHARAT."

History of National Science Day:

• On 28 February 1928, the great scientist Dr. Chandrashekhar Venkat Raman discovered the "Raman Effect".
• For this discovery, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
• In 1986, the Government of India announced that every year 28 February would be celebrated as National Science Day.

What is the Raman Effect?

• It is a physics-related phenomenon in which light changes some of its wavelength when it passes through a transparent medium (such as glass or water).
• This effect states that when light collides with a molecule, it can lose or gain some of its energy, which changes the wavelength of the light.

Dr. Chandrashekhar Venkata Raman:

• Born: 7 November 1888, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
• Died: 21 November 1970, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
• Fame: Discovery of the Raman Effect
• Awards:
  • Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930
  • Bharat Ratna in 1954
  • Lenin Peace Prize in 1957