National Science Day observed across India on 28 February

28 February – National Science Day
India on 28 February 2014 observed National Science Day to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect by Indian physicist Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (CV Raman).

In 2014, the theme of the day is Fostering Scientific Temper and Energy conservation. This day is celebrated every year on this day to spread a message about the significance of scientific applications in the daily life of the people.

The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) in 1986 asked the Government of India to designate 28 February as National Day.

What is Raman Effect?
Raman Effect is also termed as the Raman scattering and it speaks about the change in the wavelength of light (inelastic scattering of a photon) when it passes through a transparent sample of a chemical compound. This change in the wavelength is caused due to deflection of the molecules.

The Raman Effect was discovered by CV Raman and for this discovery he was awarded with the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.

The American Chemical Society in 2013 designated Raman Effect as an International Historic Chemical Landmark. In 1998 the Raman Effect was designated as a National Historic Chemical Landmark in recognition of its significance as a tool for analyzing the composition of liquids, gases and solids.

 Themes of National Science Day from 2010 to 2013
• 2010 - Gender Equity, Science & Technology for Sustainable Development
• 2011 - Chemistry in Daily Life
• 2012 - Clean Energy Options and Nuclear Safety
• 2013 - Genetically Modified Crops and Food Security