National Science Day 2025: Honouring CV Raman’s Legacy in Science

India celebrates National Science Day every year on February 28 to honour the groundbreaking work of Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata (CV) Raman, whose discovery of the Raman Effect revolutionised physics. The Raman Effect, which explains how light scatters when passing through a transparent medium, earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930—making him the first Indian to win the prestigious award in science.

The significance of February 28 dates back to 1928, when Raman announced his discovery. In 1986, the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) proposed that the Indian government designate this day as National Science Day (NSD) to promote scientific awareness. The first official celebration took place in 1987, and since then, NSD has been observed annually with a unique theme highlighting different aspects of scientific progress.

The theme for NSD 2025 is ‘Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat.’ This theme reflects India’s vision of fostering innovation and scientific excellence among young minds to establish the nation as a global leader in technology and research. The main event will be held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

CV Raman’s contributions extended beyond the Raman Effect—his research on light scattering, X-rays, and the colours of the sea furthered India's ambitions in science and technology. His journey from a small village to becoming a Nobel Laureate and recipient of Bharat Ratna continues to inspire generations.

National Science Day serves as a reminder of India’s scientific heritage and the need to encourage research and innovation, paving the way for a brighter and technologically advanced future.