National Science Day 2025: Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation

About National Science Day (NSD)

• Date of Celebration: February 28 every year.
• Purpose: To commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C.V. Raman in 1928.
• Recognition: The Government of India designated February 28 as National Science Day (NSD) in 1986.
• Significance:
  • Encourages scientific awareness and curiosity among citizens.
  • Promotes science and technology as a means for national development.
  • Provides students with exposure to career opportunities in research and innovation.

Theme for National Science Day 2025

• Theme: “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat”
• Inspiration:
  • Derived from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
  • Highlights the importance of youth in driving scientific progress and innovation on a global scale.
• Objective:
  • Encourage young minds to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
  • Strengthen India’s leadership in scientific research, technology, and innovation.

NSD 2025 Celebrations & Key Events

• Chief Guest: Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Science & Technology, will preside over the celebration at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
• Science Lectures: Two key lectures will be delivered by:
  1. Shri Shashi S. Vempati – Co-Founder of AI4India & Former CEO of Prasar Bharati.
  2. Prof. Sanjay Behari – Director, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Kerala.
• Science Communication Activities:
  • Open house sessions at scientific institutions.
  • Science exhibitions, quizzes, and lectures for students.
  • Interactive sessions to promote research and scientific careers.

Role of National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC)

• Nodal Agency: The NCSTC (Department of Science & Technology - DST) coordinates NSD celebrations across India.
• Functions:
  • Supports lectures, quizzes, and outreach programs.
  • Encourages state S&T councils to organize activities in schools and colleges.
  • Enhances public appreciation of scientific advancements.

Importance of the Raman Effect

• Discovery by Sir C.V. Raman: Announced on February 28, 1928.
• Nobel Prize: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics (1930).
• Concept:
  • Explains the scattering of light and changes in wavelength when passing through a transparent medium.
  • Has applications in medical science, material analysis, and quantum mechanics.

Significance of National Science Day

• Encourages youth participation in science & research.
• Promotes scientific temper and innovation in India.
• Strengthens India's role as a leader in global scientific research.