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National Science Day is celebrated every year on February 28th to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by the Indian physicist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman on the same day in 1928. This year, India will be celebrating the 95th National Science Day to honor the nation’s pride in scientific thinking and remember Raman's groundbreaking work in the field of physics.
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Why is National Science Day Celebrated on February 28th?
The reason National Science Day is observed on February 28th specifically is that this was the day in 1928 when Sir C.V. Raman discovered the phenomenon of inelastic scattering of photons, known as the 'Raman Effect', using sunlight. This discovery later earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, making him the first Asian and first non-white person to receive this prestigious award. The Raman Effect eventually became pivotal in the study of molecular spectra and contributed immensely to different branches of physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, and arts.
To mark the memory of this significant day in the history of Indian science, the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) declared February 28th to be celebrated as National Science Day every year starting from 1987. The first National Science Day was celebrated in 1987 and centered around the theme of 'Science for Villages'.
Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman – The Pioneer
Sir C.V. Raman was born on November 7th, 1888 in Thiruvanaikaval, Madras Province, British India (now Tamil Nadu, India). From a young age, Raman showed an outstanding intellect and excelled in academics, especially in physics and mathematics. He completed his undergraduate degree in Physics from Presidency College, Madras and received a gold medal for coming first in his exams.
In 1917, Raman became the first occupant of the newly established Palit Chair of Physics at Calcutta University. This helped him build a very productive research department and he made some key discoveries during this time including his work on the acoustics of musical instruments which earned him worldwide fame. He worked tirelessly on researching the scattering of light, a phenomenon that was previously thought to be of merely academic interest. After painstaking experiments using sunlight, filtered radiation, and monochromatic sources, Raman discovered the radiation effect independently in 1928 along with K.S. Krishnan who later became his associate.
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The Raman Effect refers to the change in the wavelength of light that occurs when a beam of light is deflected by molecules. When a beam of light traverses a dust-free and transparent sample, a small fraction of the light emerges in directions other than the original path while most of it travels straight through. Raman found out that the wavelengths present in the scattered light, which are called Raman lines, are unique to the molecules present in the sample. Each molecule or crystal produces a characteristic pattern of wavelengths in the scattered light, thus helping identify them akin to a spectroscopic fingerprint.
The Raman Effect proved that molecules have characteristic energies of rotation, vibration, and electronic levels that give rise to unique spectral fingerprints. This pioneering discovery opened doors that had long been sealed and enabled the study of crystal structures, molecule formations, and chemical bonding using light scattering.
Raman’s legacy demonstrates that groundbreaking research requires both intellectual genius and persistence. His dedication to science inspired generations of future physicists and chemists to continue exploring the mysteries of matter and energy. Today, Raman spectroscopy using his scattering effect has become an indispensable tool with diverse applications and plays a pivotal role in numerous areas from material science and nanotechnology to forensic analysis and disease detection.
Key Applications and Impact of Raman’s Work
Some major practical applications and impacts of Raman spectroscopy that showcase the wide utility of his discovery include:
- Material Science - It is used to analyze the composition of diverse materials in a non-destructive manner including minerals, semiconductors, polymers, films, nanomaterials, etc.
- Physics and Chemistry Research – Vibrational Raman spectroscopy provides information on molecular shapes and crystal structures that aid atomic/molecular level research.
- Product Quality Control – Pharmaceutical and other chemical products can be easily analyzed for quality control and authentication purposes.
- Biological Research – Raman spectroscopy is invaluable in biomedical studies related to tissues, cells, proteins, DNA, etc., and in detecting malignancies such as cancer.
- Art and Archaeology – It helps in investigating paint materials, detecting forgeries, analyzing pigments and dyes, assisting artifact preservation, and more.
- Forensics – Raman spectroscopy enables rapid identification of materials, detection of explosives, analysis of trace evidence, and much more during criminal investigations.
- Gemology and Mineralogy – It is an important technique for characterizing the structure, chemistry, and originality of gems and minerals.
- Nanotechnology – The ability to analyze nanoscale materials is crucial for developing nanotech products and research at the frontiers of science.
Thus, Raman spectroscopy continues to be an active area of instrument development and finds daily use in labs across the world. Without Raman’s groundbreaking research, such diverse practical applications contributing to technological advancement would not have been possible.
Commemorating an Exceptional Legacy
National Science Day celebrates Raman’s inquisitive mind that questioned orthodox theories which led him to his stellar discovery apart from his other significant scientific contributions. He paved the path for future generations to continue exploring science and expanding human knowledge. Raman’s legacy will continue to inspire budding scientists in the country to follow their passion.
The first National Science Day was celebrated by NCSTC in 1987 and quickly picked up momentum through science fairs and public lectures aimed at raising awareness. It is now celebrated across India as a festival of science with great enthusiasm, especially in schools and colleges where students participate in captivating science exhibitions, quizzes, debates, seminars, and other events.
Multiple programs and competitions like poster-making, model displays, science film festivals, etc. are organized centering around specific themes that highlight different aspects of science and technology each year. National awards and fellowships are announced to encourage outstanding research and motivate younger talent. The Prime Minister also delivers a radio address on National Science Day concerning relevant issues.
As we get ready to celebrate National Science Day 2024, let us remember the spectacular contributions of Sir C.V. Raman who brought great honor and international acclaim to our nation. His legendary discovery revolutionized physics and opened new horizons for scientific progress. National Science Day inspires everyone to think scientifically and kindles a passion for science, especially among the youth. Celebrating this day dedicates our focus back to appreciating the value of science and utilizing it responsibly for the greater good of humanity.
