National Science Day 2012 - India

 Every year National Science Day is Celebrated on 28th February, to commemorate the day on which Sir C.V.Raman discovered the Raman Effect.

Focal theme for year 2012 is “Clean Energy Options and Nuclear Safety”

Why this day is celebrated as "National Science Day " ?

The Day is observed to mark the novel discovery of Raman Effect by the great Indian Physicist Sir C. V. Raman on 28th February, 1928. Raman Effect is a phenomenon in spectroscopy discovered by the eminent physicist while working in the laboratory of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of science, Kolkata. After two years of this discovery, Sir C. V. Raman brought the first Nobel Award for the country in 1930. Hence the National Science Day is a great day for Indian Science and scientific community.

Besides, National Science Day offers an opportunity to bring issues of science on to centre stage. The activities organized on the occasion provide public with an occasion to personally attend various programmes and be aware of the emerging issues of immediate concern. Organizing activities with the involvement of large number of people results into purposeful interaction between the science fraternity and the common people for mutual benefit.

What are the Basic objectives of National Science Day ?

The basic objective of observation of National Science Day is to spread the message of importance of science and its application among the people. This is essential to accelerate the pace of development. Even in the 21st century and despite many significant achievements certain sections of our society are still guided by blind faith and beliefs, which is reflected in the quality of decision making on developmental issues.

Observation of NSD attempts at generating scientific minded citizens. Science has contributed a great deal to human welfare. Through the gospel of reason and experimental observation, by which it works, it has enabled man to acquire intellectual and mental excellence. From the materialistic point of view, ranging from environmental issues, disease eradication, space exploration, energy production, information highway to name a few, science and technology has broken barriers to bring peace and prosperity with a cleaner environment with sustainable use of resource for the benefit of mankind. Biotechnology is making a major impact on agriculture, health, environment, industry and pharmaceuticals. Communication at lower costs, with greater accessibility, is another product of technology.

It helps inculcate scientific temper among school children. Health and hygiene issues are prime concerns for the common people. The daily application of science like the use of clean drinking water, knowledge to eradicate contagious disease, the know how of various agricultural practices to increase crop production, the usefulness of biodiversity conservation, etc., should be disseminated to the future generation.

Building of science communicators is another component of the NSD celebrations.

Who shall take lead in organizing the National Science Day Celebrations ?
The scientific institutions, science based agencies, universities, schools, colleges and State Science & Tech Councils may celebrate this day in befitting manner.

What kind of activities can/should be organized ?
Activities such as Exhibitions, popular lectures, quiz and essay competitions and other appropriate activities involving participation of large number of people aimed at nurturing scientific temper in them.

When is World Science Day for Peace and Development ? When was it established and by whom ? What are the objectives of “World Science Day” ?

"World Science Day" importantly known as " World Science Day for Peace and Development (WSDPD)" is celebrated every year on 10 November Established by UNESCO in 2001 the WSDPD is celebrated on 10 November each year. The Day is an occasion to remind the UNESCO's mandate and commitment on science.

The WSDPD's objectives are:

    To strengthen public awareness on the role of science for peaceful and sustainable societies

    To promote national and international solidarity for a shared science between countries

    To renew national and international commitment for the use of science for the benefit of societies

    To draw attention to the challenges faced by science and raise support for the scientific endeavor