By Sadaket Ali Malik
National Science Day in India is celebrated every year on February 28, honoring the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ by the distinguished Indian scientist Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman in 1928. This phenomenon, which emphasizes photon scattering, was a major leap forward in the scientific domain and garnered Raman global recognition. The day is dedicated to celebrating his groundbreaking work while encouraging scientific curiosity and enthusiasm within the community.
The theme for National Science Day (NSD) in 2025 was “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat”. This theme was selected to spotlight the critical role young individuals play in shaping India’s future in science and innovation.
What is the significance of NSD?
NSD is annually observed on February 28 to honor the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ by Dr. C. V. Raman.
The Government of India proclaimed this day as National Science Day in 1986.
The inaugural National Science Day was celebrated on February 28, 1987.
The objective of NSD is to cultivate a culture of curiosity, creativity, and scientific mindset within the youth of India.
This day is historically significant as it pays tribute to Raman’s contributions to science and fosters a scientific spirit among the populace. Events, seminars, and exhibitions are typically part of the celebrations to underscore the vital role of science and technology in the advancement of the nation. The selected theme for 2024 aligns with India’s dedication to promoting indigenous technologies crucial for national development.
National Science Day in India acts as a vital platform to highlight the crucial role of science in everyday life. The celebration aims to exhibit the advancements, efforts, and achievements in the scientific sector, with an emphasis on enhancing human welfare. It facilitates discussions on various issues and enables the implementation of innovative technologies to further scientific progress. Additionally, the day is focused on inspiring and popularizing science and technology among the people, nurturing a scientific mindset that contributes to the overall development of the nation.
Recent scientific advancements in India reflect a noteworthy upward trend over the last ten years, establishing the country among the top five nations globally in terms of scientific research publications. India currently holds the 40th position out of 132 economies in the Global Innovation Index 2023, released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
India’s 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) score is 27.3, categorized as serious according to the GHI Severity of Hunger Scale. This marks a slight improvement from its 2016 GHI score of 29.3, which was also considered serious, and shows substantial progress compared to its scores of 38.4 and 35.2 recorded in 2000 and 2008, respectively, both labeled alarming.
India’s technological evolution in recent decades has been impressive, transitioning from a technology follower to a significant influencer actively reshaping the global tech landscape. This progress is grounded in strategic initiatives, educational enhancements, and a broad pool of skilled professionals, propelling the country to the forefront of technological innovation.
A pivotal factor contributing to India’s technological prowess has been its emergence as a global IT outsourcing centre. Capitalizing on a vast talent pool, the country has established itself as a sought-after destination for IT services, demonstrating its expertise in software development, maintenance, and support. This foundation has solidified India’s reputation as a dependable and cost-effective IT solution provider on the world stage.
In recent years, India has undergone a significant shift, evolving from merely a service provider to nurturing a culture of innovation. This is evident in the remarkable rise of startups across diverse sectors. The startup ecosystem in India has experienced exponential growth, with creative solutions emerging in areas such as fintech, healthcare, agriculture, and beyond. The government’s support, along with incubators and a conducive entrepreneurial environment, has fostered this dynamic startup culture.
Space technology is another area where India has highlighted its technological capabilities. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has reached significant milestones, including successful satellite launches, the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), and collaborations in international space exploration. Joining the Artemis Accords as the 27th nation exemplifies India’s commitment to space exploration and global collaboration.
India’s semiconductor and electronics manufacturing capabilities have also risen to prominence through initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). The aim to transform India into a global hub for chip manufacturing is bolstered by investments and partnerships with international semiconductor giants. The establishment of Micron’s semiconductor facility in Gujarat stands as a testament to India’s ambitions in this vital technology sector.
Significant advancements in defense capabilities are evident with the development of indigenous weapon systems like the Akash Missile, which can engage multiple targets simultaneously, showcasing India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defense. The commissioning of INS Vikrant, the nation’s first domestically produced aircraft carrier, enhances India’s naval capabilities and underlines its expertise in advanced naval technology.
In telecommunications, India has made remarkable strides, achieving the fastest 5G rollout in history. The deployment of numerous 5G sites by major players such as Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel demonstrates India’s commitment to remaining at the cutting edge of global telecommunications developments. The aspirations towards 6G technology signal the nation’s forward-thinking approach.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has also gained attention, with the launch of an AI Mission aimed at providing startups and innovators enhanced computing capabilities. This initiative addresses critical challenges across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and education, promoting the advancement of AI applications that aid societal development.
India’s technological progress in 2023 is a testament to its commitment to innovation, self-reliance, and global leadership in diverse technological fields. From semiconductor manufacturing to space exploration, defense advancements, telecommunications, and AI, India is not merely keeping pace with global developments but is actively shaping the future of technology on the world stage. As India continues its forward momentum, it is clear that the nation is not only adopting technology but emerging as a powerful force in defining the future of global technology.
This success stems from the strengthening of the Science and Technology (S&T) ecosystem, particularly in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Astronomy, Solar & Wind Energy, Semiconductors, Climate Research, Space Research, and Biotechnology. India’s scientific achievements extend beyond Earth, exemplified by the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon’s south pole, positioning India as the first nation to reach this milestone.
National Science Day is celebrated through a range of engaging activities. Students from various educational institutions actively participate by showcasing a variety of scientific projects. National and state science organizations contribute their latest research findings to the celebration. Activities include public speeches, radio and TV talk shows, exhibitions of science films, and themed science fairs.
The event also encompasses activities like stargazing, live project demonstrations and research, debates, quiz contests, lectures, and exhibitions of science models. This comprehensive approach helps nurture a scientific mindset, encourages innovation, and raises awareness about the significance of science and technology among all age groups.
