National Science Day

National Science Day is an annual observance in India dedicated to science, scientific discovery and the value of evidence-based inquiry. It commemorates the discovery of the Raman Effect, a phenomenon involving the scattering of light.

The day brings science closer to the public through educational activities, demonstrations, exhibitions, talks, competitions and visits to research institutions.

• 28 February — National Science Day is observed across India.

The Raman Effect — The observance commemorates C. V. Raman's discovery of the Raman Effect, which showed that a small part of scattered light can have wavelengths different from those of the incident light.

Scientific awareness — The day encourages curiosity, scientific reasoning and a wider understanding of how science and technology contribute to society.

National Science Day was established by the Government of India following an initiative of the National Council for Science and Technology Communication to encourage wider public engagement with science.

The observance developed into a nationwide programme involving schools, colleges, scientific institutions and government-supported science communication organisations, with activities centred on a different theme from year to year.

Schools and colleges — Students and teachers organise science exhibitions, working models, quizzes, essay activities, demonstrations and talks.

Research institutions — Laboratories and scientific organisations may hold open-house programmes, lectures, demonstrations and educational visits.

Public programmes — Science communication events use discussions, exhibitions, media programmes and interactive activities to explain scientific ideas to wider audiences.

Activities generally begin with an opening programme or science-focused presentation, followed by exhibitions, demonstrations, competitions or lectures. Students and visitors may explore scientific models, experiments and research displays before concluding with talks, presentations or recognition of participants.

Across India — National Science Day is observed by educational institutions, state science councils, research laboratories and other organisations, with activities adapted to local audiences.

Schools and campuses — Programmes can range from small classroom demonstrations to larger public exhibitions and science fairs.

Research centres — Scientific institutions may offer laboratory visits, demonstrations and outreach sessions that introduce visitors to current areas of research.

• Science exhibitions
• Hands-on experiments and demonstrations
• Science quizzes
• Public lectures and talks
• Laboratory open houses
• Student science projects
• Essay and presentation competitions

Light — Represents the scientific discovery of the Raman Effect and the study of how light interacts with matter.

Microscope — Represents observation, experimentation and the study of the natural world.

Science models — Represent hands-on learning and the communication of scientific ideas.

Laboratory equipment — Represents experimentation, measurement and systematic investigation.

• National Science Day is observed every year on 28 February.
• The observance commemorates the Raman Effect, a phenomenon in spectroscopy involving the scattering of light.
• C. V. Raman received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on the Raman Effect.
• The Raman Effect has applications in identifying and studying materials through their interaction with light.
• National Science Day programmes commonly include science exhibitions, quizzes, lectures, demonstrations and open-house activities.
• The annual observance uses a different science-related theme to guide many public outreach activities.