National Science Day is observed every year on February 28th in honor of the historic discovery of the 'Raman Effect' by the illustrious physicist Sir C.V. Raman. This historic finding, achieved in 1928 at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, won him the Nobel Prize in 1930 and marked India's presence on the international science map.
The inaugural National Science Day was celebrated on February 28, 1987, and has since become an annual tradition, encouraging generations to adopt science and innovation.
The theme of National Science Day 2025 is "Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for VIKSIT BHARAT". This theme highlights the important contribution of India's young minds to driving the scientific and technological development of the country following the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision of a developed and self-dependent India.
The goals of this day are disseminating awareness of the importance of scientific applications in everyday life, demonstrating scientific accomplishments for the well-being of humankind, exploring developments, deploying new technologies, and making science and technology more popular among people.
India's Advances in Science and Technology
India has been making impressive progress in the international science and technology arena. India ranked 39th in the Global Innovation Index 2024. According to the WIPO report, India ranks 6th in world Intellectual Property (IP) filings. The Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024 also noted India's rise to 49th position from 79th in 2019, reflecting enhanced ICT infrastructure and digitalization.
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Key Government Initiatives
Some major initiatives have been initiated to support India's science and technology sector. These are:
- Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): Established under the ANRF Act 2023, the ANRF is aimed at speeding up India's research and development landscape.
- National Quantum Mission (NQM): Involving an outlay of ₹6003.65 crore for eight years, the NQM aims to make India a quantum leader in computing, communication, sensing, and materials.
- National Supercomputing Mission (NSM): India's supercomputing capacity has grown to 32 PetaFlops with the addition of 5 PetaFlops in 2024.
- Artificial Intelligence & Cyber-Physical Systems: BharatGen under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) aims to create India's first multimodal, multilingual Large Language Model (LLM) for Generative AI (GenAI).
- Geospatial Science: Adoption of geospatial technology has grown via Spatial Thinking Programs in Schools, reaching 116 schools in seven states and 6205 students.
- Climate Research: India has stepped up climate resilience efforts with the establishment of four new Centres of Excellence dedicated to risk mapping for floods and droughts.
- Technology Development Board (TDB): The TDB has disbursed ₹220.73 crore in seven priority projects, speeding up progress in key areas of technology.
- Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE): This scheme seeks to attract and nurture young talent in science and research, developing innovation across domains.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Post-2025, the INSPIRE-MANAK scheme will reach Class 11 and 12 students as well, involving more young minds in scientific innovation.
Bridging the Gender Gap
India is aggressively pushing for gender equality in STEM through schemes such as the WISE-KIRAN (Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN) initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). This initiative provides women with support at all levels of their scientific careers.
National Science Day reminds India of its scientific heritage and continued emphasis on innovation. With the growth in quantum computing, AI, geospatial technology, and climate science, along with efforts that promote inclusiveness and young talent development, India is heading towards a science and technology-driven future. With the country moving towards Viksit Bharat 2047, consistent investment in research and innovation will play a central role in attaining global leadership and sustainable growth.
Also Read | C.V. Raman Biography: Early Life,Family, Education, Career, Awards and Achievements
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