Every year on February 28, India celebrates National Science Day, marking the anniversary of Sir C.V. Raman's groundbreaking discovery of the Raman Effect, made in 1928. This year's theme, 'Empowering Indian youth for global leadership in science and innovation for Viksit Bharat,' emphasizes the continuing role of youth in advancing India's scientific and technological progress.
The observance of National Science Day was recommended by the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) and officially declared by the Government of India in 1986. The first celebration took place on February 28, 1987, honoring not just Raman's discovery but the spirit of scientific inquiry across the nation.
Dr. Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, devoted his life to the study of light and its properties. He initially graduated with honors from Presidency College, Madras, and though he began his professional career as the Assistant Accountant General of India, his passion for science led him to conduct experimental research at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science. His dedication to research was unwavering, and by 1917, he had been appointed the Palit Chair of Physics at Calcutta University.
Raman's distinguished research career culminated with the discovery of the Raman Effect, where he observed how light scattered when it passed through transparent materials. This phenomenon illustrated how certain molecules alter light's wavelength during scattering, which unravels information about their chemical structure. His revolutionary work in this area earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, making him not only the first Asian but also the first person of color to receive this honor for contributions to science.
Recognized for his insightful quotes, Raman famously stated, "The true wealth of a nation consists not in the stored-up gold but in the intellectual and physical strength of its people." His belief in nurturing intelligence within the country continues to resonate today, serving as motivation for the scientific community.
The impact of Dr. Raman's work extends beyond Earth's confines; his discovery has laid the groundwork for advanced techniques such as Raman spectroscopy. NASA's Perseverance rover, currently exploring Mars, is utilizing this technology as part of its mission to identify signs of ancient microbial life. Equipped with the SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals) instrument, the rover analyzes Martian rocks and soil, detecting organic compounds and minerals indicative of past life.
Dr. Milind Pande, Pro Vice-Chancellor of MIT-World Peace University, remarked, "Raman Spectroscopy can identify compounds in their native state without requiring sample preparation, making it ideal for Mars’s harsh environment." This highlights how Raman's legacy significantly contributes to contemporary scientific endeavors, even millions of kilometers from the earth.
Similarly, Prof. Dipali Bansal, Dean at the School of Engineering & School of Sciences at Manav Rachna University, explained, "The Raman Effect revealed how light scattered when it interacted with molecules, a breakthrough, which was never imagined to become pivotal for the search for life on Mars." These modern applications underline the relevance of Raman's contributions, demonstrating the importance of his discoveries for future generations of scientists.
Raman's extensive research not only transformed geometry through the optics of light but also sculpted modern scientific applications across diverse fields including chemistry, medicine, and even space exploration. His legacy also includes founding the Indian Journal of Physics and playing key roles in establishing the Indian Academy of Sciences.
Celebrated every February 28, National Science Day inspires future generations to pursue scientific excellence, echoing Raman’s vision of fostering innovation. The 2025 theme, 'Empowering Indian youth for global leadership in science and innovation for Viksit Bharat,' serves to remind young scientists of their potential to lead innovations and discoveries. It reinforces India’s commitment to advancing its position as a key player on the global scientific stage.
With achievements like Raman's, India continues to light the path for scientific pursuit and discovery. His legacy as one of India's pioneer physicists remains not only honored on this day but revered as a significant milestone in the history of science. Raman's contributions remind us all of the power of knowledge and innovation and the importance of cultivating it within our society.