Dr. Kalpana Bora
Professor, Physics Department, Gauhati University
National Science Day is celebrated every year on 28 February in Bharat to honour the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C V Raman in 1928. The idea of observing National Science Day was proposed by Dr. Raman himself, and it was officially recognized by the Government of India in 1986. 
The primary goal of the day is to promote the importance of science in everyday life and to celebrate the contributions of scientists towards the progress of the nation.The celebration of the day encourages students to develop scientific temper, curiosity, and innovation. From schools and colleges to research institutes and laboratories, National Science Day 2026 is being observed across the country with science exhibitions, speeches, poster making, drawings, quizzes, and awareness programs. The day reminds students that science is not limited to textbooks but is deeply connected to real-world problem solving and national development. The day promotes scientific thinking, innovation, and awareness about the role of science and technology in sustainable development and global well-being.
Raman Effect – The Nobel Prize Discovery
“I propose this evening to speak to you on a new kind of radiation or light emission from atoms and molecules” – told Professor C. V. Raman of Calcutta University beginning his lecture to the South Indian Science Association in Bangalore on March 16, 1928. Prof. Raman proceeded to describe a discovery that resulted from a deceptively simple experiment. Conducted far from the great centers of scientific research in the Western world, the results would capture the attention of scientists around the world and bring many accolades, including the Nobel Prize, to their discoverer.
On February 28, 1928, Sir C.V. Raman discovered that light passing through a transparent substance scatters, changing colour and wavelength due to energy transfer with molecules. Using sunlight, a telescope, a filter, and a spectroscope, he observed that a tiny portion of the scattered light showed a different, lower-frequency, or wavelength than the incident light. This discovery proved that light scattering is inelastic, providing a “molecular fingerprint” used for analyzing materials. The discovery earned C.V. Raman the 1930 Nobel Prize in Physics. The discovery was inspired by the blue color of the Mediterranean Sea in 1921, which DR. Raman correctly hypothesized was due to light scattering by water molecules, not just reflection. The Raman effect is a weak phenomenon where only one in a million photons changes wavelength. It is used to identify chemical composition and structural characteristics in science.
Theme of National Science Day 2026 – “Women In Science – Catalysing Viksit Bharat”
Every year, a theme is chosen to celebrate the National Science Day, and this year, it is rightly chosen as -“Women In Science – Catalysing Viksit Bharat”. Programs are being held all over Bharat, bringing together scientists, educators, students, and the public to honour the contributions of women in science and promote scientific temper. The programs will also feature Leadership Dialogues highlighting the role of women leaders in science education. Through these activities, the events will aim to inspire young minds, encourage gender inclusivity in STEM fields, and strengthen public engagement with science in alignment with the vision of a scientifically empowered and developed India.
The theme would particularly inspire and motivate girl students and women, to pursue science and research to contribute even more to ViksitBharat@2047.
