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
