New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings on the occasion of National Science Day on Friday and encouraged young innovators to utilize science for building a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
“Greetings on National Science Day to those passionate about science, particularly our young innovators. Let’s keep popularising science and innovation and leveraging science to build a Viksit Bharat,” PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
‘One Day as a Scientist’ Initiative
The Prime Minister also referred to his recent “Mann Ki Baat” broadcast, where he urged people to mark National Science Day by spending “One Day as a Scientist.”
“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,” he added.
Earlier, on February 23, in the 119th episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi emphasized the importance of scientific curiosity among children and youth.
“The interest and passion of our children and youth in science matter a lot. I have an idea for this, which you can call ‘One Day as a Scientist.’ You should try to spend one day as a scientist. You can choose any day as per your convenience and visit a research lab, planetarium, or space centre. This will enhance your curiosity about science,” he said.
Significance of National Science Day
The Government of India designated February 28 as National Science Day in 1986 to honor the discovery of the “Raman Effect” by Indian physicist Sir C.V. Raman.
The Raman Effect refers to the inelastic scattering of light by matter, leading to a shift in the frequency of the scattered light. This principle is widely used in Raman Spectroscopy, an essential tool in chemistry and physics for material analysis.
National Science Day is celebrated to:
- Highlight the importance of science in everyday life
- Recognize scientific achievements and contributions
- Encourage technological innovation
- Inspire young minds towards scientific research
Various institutions, including schools, colleges, and research centers, organize seminars, exhibitions, and competitions to promote scientific awareness and innovation across India.