National Science Day celebrated annually on February 28 every year commemorates the anniversary of Sir C.V. Raman’s ground-breaking discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ in 1928. This discovery earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, making him the first Indian to win a Nobel in the sciences. National Science Day was first celebrated in 1987, and since then, it has become a key event that fosters the spirit of scientific inquiry and innovation in India.
This year’s theme, “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for VIKSIT BHARAT,” emphasizes the crucial role of young minds in shaping India’s future as a global leader in science and technology. The vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, a roadmap for a developed and self-reliant India, aligns with the efforts to inspire and empower youth to drive scientific and technological progress.
Key Objectives of National Science Day
The primary goals of National Science Day are to raise awareness about the importance of science in daily life, showcase achievements in the field, and encourage the development of new technologies. It also aims to popularise science among the public and inspire the next generation to pursue careers in scientific research and innovation.
2024: A Year of Scientific Milestones
India’s achievements in science and technology in 2024 have solidified its position on the global stage. India ranked 39th in the Global Innovation Index 2024 and 6th in global Intellectual Property (IP) filings, reflecting the country’s growing role in innovation. The Network Readiness Index 2024 also saw India rise to 49th place from 79th in 2019, demonstrating rapid advancements in digital transformation and ICT infrastructure.
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), launched under the ANRF Act 2023, is fostering an inclusive research environment. Key initiatives like the PM Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) and the Inclusivity Research Grant (IRG) are supporting young and marginalized researchers, while the EV Mission is driving innovation in electric vehicle technology.
The National Quantum Mission (NQM), with a Rs. 6003.65 crore investment, is propelling India to the forefront of quantum technology. Researchers across 43 institutions are contributing to advancements in quantum computing, communication, and sensing.
India’s computational power expanded to 32 PetaFlops in 2024 through the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), with plans to reach 77 PetaFlops using indigenous technology. Supercomputers at NCRA-Pune and SN Bose Institute-Kolkata are bolstering research capacity, while the BharatGen initiative is working on India’s first multilingual Large Language Model (LLM) for AI.
India’s efforts in geospatial technology expanded to schools and colleges, with programs reaching over 6,200 students across seven states. More training and initiatives are planned for the coming year.
Advancements in Climate Research and Disaster Preparedness
India intensified its efforts in climate resilience with the launch of four Centres of Excellence focused on risk mapping for floods and droughts. These centres will strengthen disaster preparedness strategies and promote sustainability.
INSPIRE: Nurturing the Next Generation of Scientists
The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) program continues to nurture young scientific talent. In 2024, 34,343 INSPIRE Scholars, 3,363 Fellows, and 316 Faculty Fellows received support. With a record-breaking 10,13,157 nominations for the INSPIRE-MANAK competition, the program is broadening its reach, particularly to Class 11 and 12 students.
Bridging the Gender Gap in STEM
India is also making strides in gender parity with programs like WISE-KIRAN, which supports women in scientific research. Initiatives like the WISE-PhD and Postdoctoral Fellowship programs are helping women pursue careers in science, while the Vigyan Jyoti Program encourages young girls to enter STEM fields.
