We are as soon as once more celebrating National Science Day, commemorated in reminiscence of C. V. Raman. Today marks the 98th anniversary of his outstanding scientific achievement. C. V. Raman was certainly one of India’s best scientists who launched India to the worldwide scientific neighborhood at a time when European nations dominated the sphere of science. Most main scientists of that period have been from the West, however Raman proved the world improper.
His discovery of the Raman Effect was a groundbreaking contribution to physics. This discovery earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, making him the primary Asian to obtain the honour within the sciences and inserting Indian science firmly on the worldwide map. The Raman Effect introduced India on par with nations that have been then main the scientific world.
Recognizing this historic achievement, the Government of India declared twenty eighth February as National Science Day in 1987. Since then, we have now been celebrating today yearly with dedication. In 2026, we’re celebrating the fortieth National Science Day, which is prone to deal with advancing sustainable futures, selling ladies in science, and fostering international collaboration for societal well-being.
National Science Day has develop into some of the necessary events in our nation to have a good time the achievements of our scientists. It shouldn’t be merely a tribute to a historic milestone, however a nationwide effort to advertise scientific mood, analysis, and innovation. The day reminds us of the transformative energy of elementary analysis and its long-term affect on expertise and business.
It additionally supplies us a possibility to take delight in our scientific achievements and try to guide the world in rising technical fields. India is shifting ahead with initiatives equivalent to Viksit Bharat, Skill India, and the promotion of indigenous science and expertise. We are rising strongly in fields like Artificial Intelligence, which is at present some of the dynamic areas of technological development.
The current Indian scientific ecosystem shouldn’t be solely making the nation self-reliant in varied sectors however can also be contributing globally by producing a whole bunch of expert technocrats and researchers. The Government of India, by the Ministry of Science and Technology and its Department of Science and Technology (DST), hosts national-level celebrations annually beneath particular themes.
The theme for National Science Day 2026 is “Women in Science: Catalyzing Viksit Bharat,” emphasizing the essential position of ladies researchers and innovators in India’s journey towards turning into a developed nation.
Like different states of the nation, some establishments and NGOs in Jammu and Kashmir additionally have a good time National Science Day. It has now grown right into a science competition throughout which quite a few applications are carried out. Students from varied colleges and schools show a wide range of science tasks. However, it’s regarding that many state-level science establishments typically fail to showcase their newest analysis. Instead, actions equivalent to quiz competitions, drawing competitions, and comparable occasions are organized even on the college stage.
Universities are thought-about facilities of excellence. Such events ought to present them with a possibility to current their analysis achievements to the general public. Unfortunately, as an alternative of organizing scientific conferences, seminars, or analysis exhibitions, some departments desire school-level actions, presumably to safe funding, slightly than demonstrating significant tutorial output.
There exists a Science Council in our Union Territory that was mandated to advertise and popularize science on the grassroots stage. However, as an alternative of strengthening school-level scientific tradition, sources are sometimes directed towards larger establishments for actions that could possibly be carried out by colleges or NGOs. For instance, as an alternative of organizing analysis conferences, some college departments conduct quiz or portray competitions beneath the banner of scientific promotion.
This scenario calls for introspection. Where does Jammu and Kashmir stand in scientific analysis? What should be completed, and what may be realistically achieved? Without sturdy authorities patronage and accountability, competing on the nationwide stage will stay tough. Universities should be held accountable for their analysis efficiency and scientific contributions.
The State Science and Innovation Council must be revitalized to advertise scientific and rational pondering on the grassroots stage. True scientific tradition can’t flourish solely inside universities and schools; it should start in colleges. School academics must be inspired and supported to take part in nationwide and worldwide conferences. Science golf equipment must be established on the faculty stage to nurture curiosity and innovation amongst younger college students.
Only then can we hope that the following technology will perceive their duties towards constructing a scientifically superior and developed India beneath the imaginative and prescient of Viksit Bharat.