National Science Day 2024: Theme, objective, historical significance

NEW DELHI: The National Science Day is being celebrated with pomp and show across the country. Celebrated every year on February 28, the National Science Day commemorates the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’, for which Nobel laureate CV Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics 1930.

On this day, new scientific discoveries are shared by the scientific community at various programmes. Its main objective is to bring the importance of science and technology to the public and inspire students towards science.

National Science Day 2024 theme

This year the National Science Day celebration is being held on the theme ‘Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat’.

“The theme represents a strategic focus on promoting public appreciation for science, technology and innovation, and accomplishments of Indian scientists to address challenges through home-grown technologies for overall well-being,” the ministry of science and technology said.

The theme was chosen to promote collaboration among the public and scientific fraternity, both domestically and internationally, and contribute to the well-being of the country. It will also emphasise on the importance of making India ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) through science.

As per the data, India is globally among the top five countries in scientific research publications, 40th in Global Innovation Index (GII). The patent filing has crossed 90,000 which is the highest in two decades.

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PM Modi extends greetings

Extending greetings on the National Science Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his X account, said, “Our (union) government is continuously working to encourage research and innovation among the youth. This is important to realise our dream of a Viksit Bharat.”

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also congratulated innovators, scientists and tech-enthusiasts on the National Science Day. On his X account, he said, “Solution-centric indigenous innovation and frontier technologies holds the key to realising the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’. NEP 2020 (National Education Policy) is cultivating a research and innovation mindset and also fostering the spirit of enterprise. While we take pride in our scientific achievements, let us also remain committed to encourage scientific fervour for a prosperous and sustainable future.”