Modi marks National Science Day, says Raman Effect put Indian research on global map

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked National Science Day on February 28 with a message celebrating research, innovation and scientific curiosity, while highlighting that C.V.

Raman’s discovery of the Raman Effect “placed Indian research firmly on the global map.” In a post on X, Modi wrote, “Today, on National Science Day, we celebrate the spirit of research, innovation and scientific curiosity that drives our nation forward.” He said the day commemorates the groundbreaking work of Sir C.V.

Raman and reaffirmed India’s resolve to “empower our youth, strengthen research ecosystems and harness science and technology for national development and global good.” National Science Day is observed across India on February 28 in honour of physicist C.V. Raman’s discovery of the Raman Effect, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.

The discovery was India’s first Nobel in Physics and the country’s second Nobel overall. The Raman Effect is based on the scattering of light and refers to the change in the wavelength of light when it is deflected by a molecule while passing through a chemical compound.

The day is celebrated annually as a prominent science festival, with students from schools and colleges showcasing projects and national and state institutions exhibiting recent research. The Government of India designated February 28 as National Science Day in 1986 through the National Council for Science and Technology Communication, which announces a new theme each year.