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Overview of National Science Day:

Date: February 28 
Purpose: Commemorates the discovery of the Raman Effect by Indian physicist Dr. C.V. Raman on February 28, 1928. This discovery earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, marking India’s first Nobel in science 

Theme for 2026

"Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat"

Historical Background:

1928: C.V. Raman discovers the Raman Effect, explaining light scattering in liquids 

1986: The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) proposes designating February 28 as National Science Day 

1987: First official celebration under the Indian government 

Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman's Contribution to Science:

• C.V. Raman made numerous contributions to science, particularly in the fields of optics and acoustics. Some of his notable contributions include:
• Discovery of the Raman Effect (1928): This discovery explained how light changes its wavelength when it is scattered by molecules, providing valuable insights into the molecular composition of materials.
• Nobel Prize in Physics (1930): He was the first Asian scientist to receive a Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on the Raman Effect.
• Raman Research Institute (1948): He established this institute in Bangalore to promote research in physics.
• Contributions to Optics and Acoustics: He conducted extensive research on the physics of musical instruments and light scattering.
• Raman Spectroscopy: This technique, based on the Raman Effect, is widely used in chemistry, material science, and medical diagnostics.

The Raman Effect :

Explains light scattering with wavelength changes, e.g., why the sea appears blue.

The Raman Effect is a phenomenon in which light, when passed through a transparent medium, undergoes scattering with a shift in wavelength. This effect provided scientists with a new method to study the molecular composition of different materials.

When light interacts with molecules, some of the scattered light changes in frequency due to interactions with molecular vibrations. This discovery allowed researchers to analyze the structure of materials using Raman Spectroscopy, a widely used technique in various scientific fields.

 C.V. Raman and his work

Resources Available at the Central University of Rajasthan Library

 Book

C.V. Raman edited by M.H. Syed, Anil Kathuria and M.H. Syed - - Mumbai Himalaya Publishing 2013 - 282p. - . 

• ISBN:9789350242315; Accession Number : 18440 ; Call Number: 530.092 S26C 
  
  

Curated Online Resources

• Articles: 

• • C.V. Raman- The Raman Effect—Landmark. American Chemical Society.

  • The Nobel Prize in Physics 1930. 

  • Raman, C. V. (1919)- Note on the theory of sub-synchronous maintenance.

  • Brand, J. C. D. (1989). The Discovery of the Raman Effect.  Royal Society of London, 43(1), 1–23.

  • Ito, M. (1998). Unforgettable Raman. Current Science, 74(4), 300–303.

  • Ramaseshan, S. (1988). The Portrait of a Scientist – C. V. Raman. Current Science, 57(22), 1207–1220. 

  • Ramaseshan, S. (1996). S. Chandrasekhar and C. V. Raman—Some letters. Current Science, 70(1), 104–107. 

  • Singh, R., & Riess, F. (1998). Sir C. V. Raman and the story of the Nobel prize. Current Science, 75(9), 965–
      971. 
  
  Sir C V Raman @ Nobel Site

Documentaries: 

• Doordarshan National. (2016, November 7): Beyond Rainbows I The Quest & Achievements of Dr. C.V. Raman

• PIB India (Director). (2017, February 28). Mars & Beyond - C V Raman: The scientist and his legacy.

References:

• DST National Science Day Portal
  URSC Competetions
  Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru