National Science Day in India, observed annually on February 28, holds profound significance as it commemorates the discovery of the Raman effect by the eminent Indian physicist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, also known as Sir CV Raman. The date aligns with a historic moment in 1928 when Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, making him the first Indian to achieve such recognition in the scientific realm.
The Raman effect, at the core of this celebration, is a phenomenon where a photon interacts with a molecule, inducing changes in its energy and momentum. Specifically, the interaction between a photon and a molecule results in the transfer of energy and momentum, causing the molecule to vibrate or rotate. This alteration in the molecular energy and momentum leads to a modification in the wavelength of the scattered photons, a phenomenon now known as Raman scattering.
The practical application of the Raman effect is found in Raman spectroscopy, a technique utilized to detect and analyze the chemical composition of substances. In this method, a laser is employed to excite the molecules within a sample, and the subsequent Raman scattering is measured and analyzed to identify the vibration and rotation modes of the molecules present.
The choice of February 28 for National Science Day is symbolic, marking the day when Raman’s groundbreaking work was officially recognized with the Nobel Prize in Physics. This celebration not only honors Sir CV Raman’s exceptional contribution to science but also serves as a reminder of India’s prowess in the scientific arena.
The concept of observing National Science Day was initially put forth by the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) in 1986. Subsequently, it gained official recognition from the Government of India, leading to the inaugural celebration of National Science Day on February 28, 1987.
As the nation pays tribute to Sir CV Raman’s legacy and the spirit of scientific inquiry, National Science Day stands as a testament to the enduring impact of groundbreaking discoveries and the importance of fostering a scientific temperament in society.
