National Science Day is celebrated every year on February 28. This day is observed in memory of the discovery of the “Raman Effect” by the Indian scientist Sir C.V. Raman on February 28, 1928. For this discovery, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
History of National Science Day
The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) requested the Central Government in 1986 to declare February 28 as National Science Day. This was not only to honor Sir C.V. Raman’s achievements but also to recognize the contributions of other scientists.
After the government’s approval, the first National Science Day was celebrated on February 28, 1987. To make this day special, various programs are organized in schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions. In the same year, the National Science Popularization Awards were introduced to honor individuals who made outstanding contributions in the field of science and communication.
Importance of National Science Day
The main objective of celebrating National Science Day is to highlight the importance of science and make it accessible to the general public. Other objectives include:
- Showcasing activities and achievements in the field of science and technology.
- Encouraging citizens interested in science.
- Promoting new research and development in science and technology.
- Developing a scientific mindset among the youth.
Themes of National Science Day (Year-wise)
Since 1999, National Science Day has been celebrated with a specific theme each year. The table below lists the themes for each year:
| Year | Theme |
| 1999 | Our Changing Earth |
| 2000 | Recreating Interest in Basic Science |
| 2001 | Information Technology for Science Education |
| 2002 | Wealth from Waste |
| 2003 | 50 Years of DNA & 25 Years of IVF |
| 2004 | Encouraging Scientific Awareness in the Community |
| 2005 | Celebrating Physics |
| 2006 | Nurturing Nature for Our Future |
| 2007 | More Crop Per Drop |
| 2008 | Understanding Planet Earth |
| 2009 | Expanding Horizons of Science |
| 2010 | Gender Equality, Science, and Sustainable Development |
| 2011 | Chemistry in Daily Life |
| 2012 | Clean Energy Options and Nuclear Safety |
| 2013 | Genetically Modified Crops and Food Security |
| 2014 | Promoting Scientific Temper |
| 2015 | Science for Nation Building |
| 2016 | Scientific Issues for National Development |
| 2017 | Science and Technology for Specially Abled Persons |
| 2018 | Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future |
| 2019 | Science for the People, and the People for Science |
| 2020 | Women in Science |
| 2021 | STI’s Impact on Education, Skills, and Work |
| 2022 | Integrated Approach for a Sustainable Future |
| 2023 | Global Science for Global Well-being |
| 2024 | Indigenous Technology for a Developed India |
Awards Given on National Science Day
Apart from the National Science Popularization Awards, several national awards are presented on this day under different categories. The key awards for 2022 were:
National Science and Technology Communication Awards (2022)
| Category | Award Winner |
| Outstanding Efforts in Science and Technology Communication (Category-A) | Karnataka Science and Technology Academy, Bengaluru |
| Science Communication through Print Media (Category-B) | Prof. Mayadhar Swain, Bhubaneswar & Dr. Biju Dharmapalan, Thiruvananthapuram |
| Science Popularization among Children (Category-C) | Dr. Krishnarao Appasani, Hyderabad & Dr. Uday Kumar Kakadu, New Delhi |
| Outstanding Contribution in Translating Popular Science and Technology Literature (Category-D) | Shri Tarun Kumar Jain, Jaipur |
| Science Communication through Innovation and Traditional Methods (Category-E) | Shri Anjan Banik, Agartala |
| Science Communication through Electronic Media (Category-F) | Shri Rakesh Andania, New Delhi |
AWSAR Awards (2022)
| Category | Award Winner |
| Best Story (PDF Category) | Dr. Amritesh Kumar, IIT Madras |
| First Prize (PhD Category) | Ms. Neha Parashar, IIT Patna |
| Second Prize | Ms. Anis Fatema, IIIT Hyderabad & Mr. Ankush Wankhade, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri |
| Third Prize | Ms. Monika Pandey, University of Hyderabad & Ms. Rohini B., CFTRI, Mysore |
Conclusion
National Science Day is a significant occasion to spread awareness about science and promote a scientific mindset. Celebrating this day helps to encourage scientific thinking and inspire new discoveries in the field of science and technology.
Also Read:
- International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025
- World Science Day for Peace and Development 2024
