National Science Day: Know about India’s scientific progress

India celebrates National Science Day every year on February 28 to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ by Sir CV Raman

Hyderabad: National Science Day is celebrated every year on February 28 to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ made by the eminent physicist Sir CV Raman while working in the laboratory of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata.

For this discovery, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930.

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2025 Theme

On National Science Day, theme-based science communication activities are carried out all over the country. The first celebration took place on February 28, 1987, marking the beginning of a tradition that continues to inspire generations.

The theme for 2025 is ‘Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat.’ It emphasises the role of young minds in driving India’s scientific and technological progress, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which aims for a developed and self-reliant India.

Objectives

The main objective of National Science Day is to spread the message of the importance of science and its application among the people.

Achievements

India has made remarkable progress in the global science and technology landscape, securing the 39th rank in the Global Innovation Index 2024 and 6th position in global Intellectual Property (IP) filings, as per the WIPO report.

The Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024 also marked India’s rise to 49th place from 79th in 2019, showcasing advancements in ICT infrastructure and digital transformation.

Key Programmes

Launched under the ANRF Act 2023, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is accelerating India’s research and development ecosystem.

Other programmes included PM Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG); EV Mission; Institutional collaborations in scientific research; Inclusivity Research Grant for promoting equal opportunities for all.

With an investment of Rs 6003.65 crore over eight years, the National Quantum Mission (NQM) is positioning India as a leader in quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials. India’s supercomputing infrastructure has significantly expanded, reaching 32 PetaFlops with the addition of 5 PetaFlops in 2024.

The largest supercomputing system, commissioned at the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi, boasts 3 PetaFlops of computing power. Additional supercomputers at NCRA, Pune, and SN Bose Institute, Kolkata, further strengthen computational research.

Under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), the BharatGen initiative has been launched, focusing on the development of India’s first multimodal, multilingual Large Language Model (LLM) for Generative AI (GenAI).

Geospatial technology adoption has increased through Spatial Thinking Programs in Schools, covering 116 schools across seven States.

India launched four Centres of Excellence focused on risk mapping for floods and droughts to enhance disaster preparedness and climate adaptation strategies.

The INSPIRE programme, a flagship initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) supports young talent in science and research.

The Department of Science and Technology also implemented the WISE-KIRAN (Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN) scheme to support women in their scientific careers.