Every year on February 28, India celebrates National Science Day, a commemoration that honours the groundbreaking discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman in 1928. This day is not just a tribute to a singular scientific achievement but a celebration of the spirit of inquiry, exploration and the relentless pursuit of knowledge that drives the scientific community worldwide.
The Discovery that Changed Physics
The Raman Effect, discovered by CV Raman, unveiled the scattering of photons when light traverses a transparent material, changing their energy and wavelength. This phenomenon not only provided deep insights into the quantum nature of light but also laid the foundation for the field of Raman spectroscopy, a technique widely used today in various scientific disciplines, including chemistry, physics, and biology for analysing the molecular composition of materials.
Raman's work was groundbreaking and earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, making him the first Asian to win a Nobel Prize in the sciences. His discovery was a testament to the global significance of scientific research conducted in India and has since inspired generations of scientists in the country and around the world.
The Enduring Legacy of CV Raman
Sir CV Raman's legacy extends far beyond his Nobel Prize winning discovery. He was a visionary who believed in the power of science to transform society and was deeply committed to education and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Raman was instrumental in establishing research institutions in India, including the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, where he served as a professor and later as a director.
National Science Day 2024
Today is not just a day to reflect on Raman's contributions to science but also an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of scientists across the country and to foster a scientific temper among the masses.
The theme for National Science Day 2024, ‘Indigenous Technology for Viksit Bharat (Developed India)’, devised to reflect the evolving challenges and opportunities in the sphere of science and technology in present day India, is a clarion call to the nation's scientific community and innovators to delve deep into the wealth of indigenous knowledge and technologies that have sustained our country through the centuries.
This thematic approach fosters a forward-looking attitude towards harnessing traditional wisdom in tandem with cutting-edge science to pave the way for a sustainable, self-reliant and technologically advanced India. It underscores the significance of local innovations in solving global challenges, promoting the development of home-grown technologies that are both environmentally sustainable and economically viable.
As India strides towards becoming a 'Viksit Bharat,' the theme of the year serves as a reminder of the power of blending the old with the new, creating a future where tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously, driving growth and prosperity for all.
Celebrating National Science Day
As we celebrate National Science Day, let us remember the contributions of CV Raman and countless other scientists who have pushed the boundaries of our understanding of the world. National Science Day is a tribute to the spirit of scientific inquiry and a reminder of our collective responsibility to foster a culture of curiosity and innovation. It is a day to celebrate, reflect, and look forward to the infinite possibilities that science holds for the future.
Let this day be a catalyst for young minds to explore the realms of science and technology and for society to appreciate the indispensable role of science in driving progress and innovation!
Ranajit Dey
Source: The Telegraph, 28/02/24
