National Science Day is celebrated in India every year on February 28 to commemorate the discovery of the Raman effect by Indian scientist C V Raman. He discovered it in 1928 and received a Nobel Prize in 1930.
History
In recent days, the phrase “Rocket Boys” has been synonymous with the mega-hit web series that tells the story of Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha, who is deemed the architect of India’s nuclear energy program, and Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, who is considered the father of India’s space program. The show, many would say, has contributed to making science a topic of drawing-room conversation.
The two highly respected and self-motivated men joined forces to formulate India’s space program. On National Science Day, here is a look at the lives of India’s original ‘Rocket Boys’.
Born into a prominent Parsi family in Mumbai, Dr. Homi J Bhabha is known as the “Father of India’s Nuclear Science Programme”. He established the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai in 1945. Three years later, he proposed the forming of the Atomic Energy Commission in India.
With a go-ahead from then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the body was set up and Dr. Bhabha was made chairman. For his contribution to science and engineering, he was awarded the country’s highest civilian award, Padma Bhushan, in 1954. He also presided over the first United Nations Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy.
In 1986, the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) asked the Government of India to mark February 28 as National Science Day which was accepted by the then government and declared the day as National Science Day in 1986. The first National Science Day was celebrated on February 28, 1987.
Significance
National Science Day is celebrated every year to spread a message about the importance of science in the daily life of the people and to showcase all the activities, efforts, and achievements in the field of science for human welfare.
It is celebrated to discuss issues and implement new technologies for development in the field of science. It is also celebrated to allow people interested in Science and encourage them along with popularizing science and technology.
Theme
The theme of National Science Day 2022 is ‘Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for Sustainable Future’.
