Celebrating Science
By Prof M A Shah
Reaffirming our commitment to scientific thinking, innovation, and collaboration.
National Science Day is celebrated on February 28 each year. This year, the University of Kashmir was leading the celebrations, where visionary leadership is likely to have arranged multiple programs for students and teachers. These programs can serve as training initiatives for the upcoming academic session and beyond. Observing such scientific festivals is essential for empowering youth to achieve global leadership in science and innovation, aligning with the theme of NSD 2025. By celebrating National Science Day, we reaffirm our commitment to scientific thinking, innovation, and collaboration.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister encouraged young students to experience the day as One Day as a Scientist spending time in research laboratories, visiting planetariums, and exploring space and science centers. This should become a regular activity, conducted at least once a week as per the National Education Policy, which emphasizes experiential and hands on learning. Research institutes, universities, colleges, schools, and science centers should actively participate in symposiums, seminars, exhibitions, workshops and science fairs to honor Sir C.V. Raman. Institutions can engage faculty and students in the following scientific activities, not just n this day but through out the academic session.
Science Exhibitions and Fairs
Organize exhibitions showcasing innovations in drones and robotics, space and aerospace science, AI and machine learning, smart vehicles, and clean and green energy, similar to the successful festival recently hosted by SKUAST-Kashmir.
Seminars and Lectures by Scientists Scientists can deliver lectures on sustainability, climate change, cybersecurity, disaster management, biomedical research, and cutting-edge advancements in agriculture and food sciences.S
cience Competitions and Quiz Programs Organize national-level science quizzes, essay writing competitions, and group discussions on emerging scientific areas.
Inspiring Stories and Success Narratives Share inspiring stories with school children and educate them about recent advancements in science and technology and their impact on society.
Science Talent Search Implement a system to test children’s abilities, hidden talents, and special aptitudes to help harness their full potential.
Speech Competition Encourage students to discuss how they can contribute individually to the field of science.
Awards and Recognitions
Recognize young scientists for outstanding research contributions and honor bright students with awards on this occasion.
Importance of National Science Day National Science Day plays a vital role in:
Inspiring Youth: Encouraging young minds to pursue careers in science and technology at an early age, as envisioned in the INSPIRE internship programs.
Promoting Research: Encouraging scientific research and its applications to address global challenges, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.
Bridging the Gap: Connecting scientific discoveries with real-world applications in everyday life.
Public Engagement: Fostering public interaction with science through engaging programs that connect science with society.
Expanding Scientific Horizons: Promoting scientific temperament among creative students and motivating them to pursue STEM careers.
In 1921, on a boat trip back from England, Indian physicist C.V. Raman pondered why the sea appears blue. This curiosity led him to a line of research that, in February 1928, resulted in the discovery of a new light-scattering effect, now known as the Raman Effect. On December 15, 1998, the American Chemical Society and the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science recognized the Raman Effect as an International Historic Chemical Landmark. The commemorative plaque reads:
“At this institute, Sir C.V. Raman discovered in 1928 that when a beam of colored light entered a liquid, a fraction of the light scattered by that liquid was of a different color. Raman showed that the nature of this scattered light depended on the type of sample present. Other scientists quickly understood the significance of this phenomenon as an analytical and research tool, naming it the Raman Effect. This method became even more valuable with the advent of modern computers and lasers. Its current applications range from the non-destructive identification of minerals to the early detection of life-threatening diseases. For this discovery, Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.”
Although Raman loved science, he saw limited career opportunities for scientists in India. After completing his degrees, he took the Financial Civil Service exam and worked as an Assistant Accountant General while continuing his research at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science in Calcutta. Today, there is a pressing need to encourage students to take up science at an early age and to popularize science and technology. Unfortunately, many students develop a fear of mathematics and science due to rote memorization. This challenge can be addressed by sparking interest through experiential learning methods. Puzzles, demonstrations, and hands-on activities can help students develop a strong affinity for numbers and scientific principles. Traditional, pedantic teaching approaches should be replaced with interactive and inclusive methods.
Like the Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC) established in the 1960s by eminent space scientist Vikram Sarabhai in Gujarat to popularize science and mathematics education among students, teachers, and the public—the Kashmir Valley urgently needs a similar center. I have written to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor regarding the establishment of a Science City adjacent to the proposed NIT Srinagar campus in Pulwama. The establishment of New Campus is being supported by visionary leaders, technocrats, bureaucrats and far sighted civil society members of Pulwama. Notably, the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has already sanctioned one Science Center for Jammu and Kashmir.
Article by Prof M A Shah is Dean, Alumni & Foreign affairs at National Institute of Technology Srinagar
