National Science Day 2026: Honouring C. V. Raman's Legacy of Discovery

National Science Day, celebrated on February 28, commemorates the groundbreaking discovery of the Raman Effect by Indian physicist Sir C. V. Raman in 1928. This pivotal discovery, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, marked a significant advancement in the study of light scattering.

First recognised by the Indian government in 1986, National Science Day has been celebrated annually since 1987. The day serves to raise awareness about the importance of science in daily life, encourage scientific curiosity, and inspire innovation. Institutions across India organise activities such as lectures, exhibitions, and outreach events to promote scientific engagement and education.

Objective of National Science Day

• National Science Day aims to highlight the significance of science and its everyday applications, making science more accessible and relevant to people of all ages.

• The day encourages the spread of awareness about scientific thought and innovation, fostering a deeper understanding of how science drives progress in society.

• It inspires students and youth to engage with science, promoting curiosity, experimentation, and exploration in various fields of study.

• The celebration aims to make scientific research and technology more visible, emphasising the impact of scientific achievements on the world.

• National Science Day seeks to promote scientific reasoning and critical thinking, encouraging individuals to make decisions based on evidence and logic.

• It offers an opportunity for schools, colleges, and research institutions to organise events, such as workshops and lectures, to reinforce scientific learning beyond textbooks.

• The day also celebrates India’s rich scientific heritage and honours the contributions of scientists who have advanced human knowledge.

• By hosting a range of activities, National Science Day strives to motivate future generations to pursue careers in science and research.

National Science Day 2026 Theme

The official theme for National Science Day 2026 is “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat.” This theme highlights the vital role that women play in scientific research, innovation and national progress, aiming to empower and inspire greater participation of women and girls in STEM fields as part of India’s development journey.

Legacy of C. V. Raman

Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman left a lasting impact on science through his pioneering work on the behaviour of light. In 1928, he discovered that when light passes through a transparent material, a small part of the scattered light shifts to different wavelengths. This unexpected change became known as the Raman effect, fundamentally changing how scientists study the interaction between light and matter. Raman’s finding opened the door to new research methods in spectroscopy, allowing researchers to identify molecular structures and chemical compositions. For this breakthrough, he was awarded the 1930 Nobel Prize in Physics, becoming the first Indian scientist to receive this honour in science. Today, the Raman effect remains a key tool in physics, chemistry, and materials science, and it is the reason National Science Day is observed each year on February 28.

Conclusion (National Science Day 2026)

National Science Day 2026 serves as a reminder of the profound impact of science on society. It honours the legacy of great Indian scientists like C. V. Raman and encourages future generations to explore scientific fields. The theme “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat” emphasises the importance of gender equality in driving innovation and scientific progress, inspiring young minds to contribute to a scientifically advanced nation.