National Science Day 2026: Raman Effect Legacy and the Push for Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat
National Science Day is observed across India on 28 February to commemorate Sir C.V. Raman’s discovery of the Raman Effect in 1928, a breakthrough that later earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics (1930). In 2026, the focus on “Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat” highlights the policy priority of building homegrown solutions—designed, developed, and scaled in India—to address national needs and strengthen technological self-reliance.
Today, on National Science Day, we celebrate the spirit of research, innovation and scientific curiosity that drives our nation forward.
This day commemorates the groundbreaking discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir CV Raman. This discovery placed Indian research firmly on the… pic.twitter.com/YcjOAdPosr
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2026
Why is National Science Day celebrated
National Science Day marks the anniversary of the Raman Effect discovery and aims to promote scientific awareness and a culture of inquiry. Institutions across the country—schools, colleges, universities, and research organisations—use the day to host lectures, exhibitions, demonstrations, and outreach activities to popularise science and inspire future innovators.
Historically, the day has also served as a reminder that India’s scientific achievements can shape global knowledge when supported by strong institutions, research ecosystems, and sustained public interest.
The science: What is the Raman Effect?
The Raman Effect is a phenomenon of inelastic scattering of light—when monochromatic light interacts with molecules, most scattered light retains the same frequency (Rayleigh scattering), but a small fraction shifts in frequency due to molecular vibrations/rotations. These frequency shifts act like a molecular signature, helping scientists identify materials based on how their molecules interact with light.
This discovery transformed the study of light–matter interaction and became the foundation for Raman spectroscopy, a widely used analytical technique.
Why is Raman spectroscopy useful
Raman spectroscopy is valued because it is largely non-destructive and can provide a “fingerprint” of a material’s chemical and structural composition. It is used across fields ranging from chemistry and materials science to biomedical analysis and industrial quality control.
Modern applications of the Raman Effect (real-world relevance)
Raman-based techniques have expanded far beyond laboratories.
- Chemistry and materials: Identifying compounds, checking crystallinity/polymorphs, and analysing stress/strain in materials.
- Biomedical and life sciences: Raman methods are used in biological applications, with some advantages in aqueous environments noted in scientific discussions on Raman spectroscopy.
- Security and industry: Rapid identification of substances and on-site quality checks are key practical uses of Raman spectroscopy systems.
2026 focus: “Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat”
The theme “Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat” has been framed by the Department of Science & Technology as a strategic focus on celebrating Indian scientific accomplishments and encouraging home-grown technologies that address national challenges and improve overall well-being. In policy terms, it reflects a move from being primarily a technology consumer to becoming a stronger technology producer—building core capabilities, supply chains, and innovation ecosystems within India.
What do “indigenous technologies” mean in practice
Indigenous technologies are not limited to traditional knowledge; the theme includes modern, high-tech innovation built in India—hardware, software, scientific instruments, medical devices, and industrial processes—tailored for Indian conditions and scalable for mass adoption. The focus is also on strengthening pathways from lab research to deployment, so that innovation outcomes translate into societal impact.
Why this theme matters for India’s development goals
A strong indigenous technology base can:
- Reduce dependence on critical imports in strategic areas.
- Improve affordability and accessibility of solutions (especially in health, agriculture, and public services).
- Strengthen global competitiveness by shifting toward “designed and innovated in India” products and platforms.
Scientific temper: the civic dimension of National Science Day
National Science Day is also aligned with the broader constitutional idea of promoting scientific temper, which encourages citizens to value evidence, critical thinking, and rational inquiry. This is important not only for scientific progress but also for societal resilience against misinformation and for building public trust in science-led solutions.
FAQs
Q1. Why is National Science Day celebrated on 28 February?
It is celebrated on 28 February to mark Sir C.V. Raman’s discovery of the Raman Effect on this date in 1928.
Q2. What is the Raman Effect in simple terms?
It is the change in the energy (frequency/wavelength) of a small fraction of light scattered by molecules, producing a signature linked to molecular structure.
Q3. What is Raman spectroscopy used for?
Raman spectroscopy is used to identify materials and study chemical/structural composition, with wide applications in chemistry, materials science, and biological contexts.
Q4. Why did C.V. Raman receive the Nobel Prize?
He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for the discovery of the Raman Effect.
Q5. What is the 2026 focus/theme mentioned for National Science Day?
The focus is on “Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat,” emphasising home-grown innovation to solve national challenges and support overall well-being.
Q5. What is the 2026 focus/theme mentioned for National Science Day?
The focus is on “Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat,” emphasising home-grown innovation to solve national challenges and support overall well-being.
Q6. What is the purpose of National Science Day beyond commemoration?
It promotes science awareness and encourages a culture of inquiry through events held by educational and research institutions across India.
