Context: National Science Day 2025: Theme, why it is celebrated, significance, and About CV Raman.
- It is celebrated on 28 February annually to honor CV Raman’s 1928 discovery of the Raman Effect.
- Theme: “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for VIKSIT BHARAT.”
- The day aims to promote the significance of science in daily life, showcase achievements, discuss technological advancements, and popularize science and technology.
Origin of National Science Day
- In 1986, the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) suggested that February 28 be declared National Science Day.
- Since 1987, it has been celebrated every year to honor the discovery of the Raman Effect and promote scientific thinking in India.
About Sir CV Raman
- Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli. His father, a lecturer in mathematics and physics, provided him with an academic environment from an early age.
- In 1902, Raman joined Presidency College, Madras, where he graduated with a BA in physics in 1904, securing the first rank and a gold medal. He earned his MA degree in 1907 with the highest distinction.
- In 1907, he joined the Indian Finance Department while continuing experimental research at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science in Calcutta and became Honorary Secretary of the association in 1919.
- In 1917, he accepted the Palit Chair of Physics at Calcutta University, where he worked for 15 years before moving to the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, serving as a professor from 1933 to 1948.
- In 1948, he became the Director of the Raman Research Institute in Bangalore, which he founded and funded himself.
- He also established the Indian Journal of Physics in 1926 and played a key role in founding the Indian Academy of Sciences, serving as its president.
- Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930 for his discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ and was honored with the Bharat Ratna in 1954.
- He passed away on November 21, 1970, at the age of 82 in Bangalore.
