On February 28, 2025, India celebrated National Science Day, commemorating the 97th anniversary of Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman’s groundbreaking discovery of the Raman Effect. This annual observance not only honors Raman’s monumental contributions to science but also emphasizes the pivotal role of scientific innovation in India’s progress.
National Science Day 2025: Empowering Youth for a Developed India
The theme for National Science Day 2025, “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat,” underscores the importance of nurturing young talent to position India as a global leader in science and technology. This focus aligns with the nation’s vision of achieving a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address on this occasion, extended greetings to all science enthusiasts, particularly young innovators. He emphasized the need to popularize science and leverage innovation to build a developed India. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi stated:
“Greetings on National Science Day to those passionate about science, particularly our young innovators. Let’s keep popularizing science and innovation and leveraging science to build a Viksit Bharat.”
The Prime Minister also referenced his recent “Mann Ki Baat” broadcast, where he introduced the concept of “One Day as a Scientist.” This initiative encourages youth to engage in scientific activities, fostering curiosity and a hands-on understanding of scientific endeavors. PM Modi elaborated:
“During this month’s Mann Ki Baat, I had talked about ‘One Day as a Scientist’…where the youth take part in some or the other scientific activity.”
The Legacy of Sir C.V. Raman
Born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, C.V. Raman exhibited an early aptitude for science. He pursued his education at Presidency College, Madras, earning a BA in Physics in 1904 and an MA in 1907. Raman’s insatiable curiosity led him to explore the scattering of light, culminating in the discovery of the Raman Effect on February 28, 1928. This phenomenon explains the change in wavelength of light when it traverses a medium, providing profound insights into molecular structures. In recognition of this discovery, Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, becoming the first Indian to receive this honor.
Significance of National Science Day
Initiated in 1987, National Science Day serves multiple objectives:
- Promoting Scientific Temper: Encouraging the public to engage with scientific concepts and recognize their relevance in daily life.
- Showcasing Achievements: Highlighting India’s advancements in science and technology and their applications for societal benefit.
- Inspiring Innovation: Motivating students and researchers to pursue scientific research and contribute to the nation’s development.
- Addressing Challenges: Facilitating discussions on contemporary scientific issues and exploring technological solutions.
The 2025 theme emphasizes empowering youth, recognizing that young minds are instrumental in driving innovation and achieving the vision of a self-reliant India.
Celebrations and Initiatives
Across the nation, educational institutions, research organizations, and scientific communities organized events to mark National Science Day 2025. Activities included science exhibitions, workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions aimed at fostering a spirit of inquiry among students. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) spearheaded a day-long event at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, featuring discussions on the theme and recognizing outstanding contributions to science and innovation.
A notable highlight was the “One Day as a Scientist” initiative, inspired by PM Modi’s call to action. This program encouraged students to spend a day engaging in scientific activities, visiting research labs, planetariums, and science centers. The hands-on experience aimed to ignite curiosity and provide practical exposure to scientific pursuits.
India’s Scientific Milestones in 2024
Reflecting on the past year, India achieved significant milestones in science and technology:
- Global Innovation Index: India ascended to the 39th position, reflecting its commitment to fostering innovation.
- Intellectual Property Filings: The country ranked 6th globally, indicating a robust culture of research and development.
- Network Readiness Index: Climbing to the 49th spot from 79th in 2019, India showcased rapid advancements in digital infrastructure.
- National Quantum Mission (NQM): With an investment of Rs. 6003.65 crore, the mission propelled India to the forefront of quantum technology research.
- National Supercomputing Mission (NSM): Expanding computational power to 32 PetaFlops, with plans to reach 77 PetaFlops, bolstering research capabilities across disciplines.
The Road Ahead: Viksit Bharat 2047
The observance of National Science Day 2025 serves as a catalyst for India’s ambitious vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’ Empowering youth with scientific knowledge and fostering an environment conducive to innovation are pivotal steps toward this goal. By investing in education, research, and infrastructure, India aims to cultivate a generation of leaders. These leaders will make significant global contributions in science and technology.
In conclusion, National Science Day 2025 not only honors the legacy of Sir C.V. Raman but also reinforces the nation’s commitment to scientific advancement. By inspiring and empowering its youth, India is steadfast on its path to becoming a global leader in science and innovation.
