Integrated approach in science and technology for a sustainable future’ - does this phrase ring a bell? Don't worry if it doesn't. It is the theme for National Science Day 2022, and we will talk about this special day here and its implications. Stay with us.
Every year, the 28th of February marks the National Science Day in India. It's a day to recognise and celebrate the discovery of the Raman Effect by globally-celebrated Nobel laureate Indian physicist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman FRS. National Council for Science and Technology Communication or NCSTC advised the Central Government of India in 1986 to declare the date as National Science Day. Since then, the day has been celebrated in schools, colleges, universities, technical, vocational, medical, research and engineering institutes all over the country.
What is the RAMAN effect?
You must have seen rainbows, but have you ever wondered about the science behind this natural phenomenon? In case you did not know, when light passes through a medium, the molecules of the medium scatter the light particles due to changes in wavelength. It is why lights reflected by soil, sand, water, and ice look different. Sir C. V. Raman explained the science behind light scattering, which is popularly termed as the Raman Effect.
Why National Science Day is celebrated
Whether we realise it or not, science is an integral part of our everyday life, from the breakfast we eat to the mattresses we sleep on at night. You may argue that these are technologies, but there can be no technological innovation without a plausible understanding of the scientific context. Many of our lifestyles and hygienic practices are influenced by scientific knowledge discovered in the last few centuries, like the benefits of washing hands, eating healthy foods, disease management or physical cleanliness.
Some quick facts about science
Some of the interesting facts that you may not know about the world of science are:
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Scientists worldwide make thousands of observations and inventions every year; many do not make it to the newspaper front pages, but these innovations help humanity advance continuously.
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The world population has increased rapidly in the last 50 years due to an unprecedented increase in life expectancy and a reduction in infant mortality. It has become possible due to innovations in medical science and technologies. Modern medical science innovations have led to an increase in life expectancy by over 13 years in just the last two decades (actual data may vary from country to country).
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Extreme weather variations and natural disasters have increased in the last decade across countries. However, we have been able to avoid losses of human lives significantly due to better weather forecasts and disaster management practices; these are undisputed benefits of better scientific knowledge about climatic changes, climate modelling and innovation in space technologies for satellite observations.
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India, as a country, suffered from severe food insecurity for several decades and centuries, primarily throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The problem has been resolved today due to a significant increase in agricultural productivity following the Green Revolution. It is another wonder of scientific innovations.
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The recent global COVID pandemic and innovation of vaccines in a short period would not have been possible without the hard work of scientists and researchers.
The list is not exhaustive, but it provides a holistic idea about why science is indispensable for human civilisation. However, science as a field of study does not move forward on its own. Scientists, researchers and ordinary people with a scientific bent of mind take the knowledge base of science and technology forward. And for that, we need to build awareness about scientific practices and encourage the participation of more students in the cultivation of science.
The objective of celebrating National Science Day in India is to attract the student community to science and innovation, grow a problem-solving attitude in them and make science a way of living for the generations to come.
How can you celebrate National Science Day?
Watch a STEM TV Show and YouTube STEM videos
There are so many great TV shows and YouTube videos out there that emphasise STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects. In fact, YouTube is full of science educators and science-oriented content creators across all the areas in science. They are fun to watch and informative. You can also watch MythBusters or The Big Bang Theory episodes with your friends or family members on National Science Day.
Host a party and invite scientists and researchers you know
Science is not about all studying and no play! If you are a parent, you can host a science-themed party on National Science Day and invite a researcher or scientist to talk about their experience and the latest innovations in their fields. It will encourage children to participate in science and technology actively. If you are a teacher, spend time with your students discussing their ideas about celebrating the day.
Conduct fun science experiments
On National Science Day, you can do experiments, make things, and learn about the world around you. It's never too early to get interested in science, and kids of all ages love to learn about the natural world through hands-on activities. What can be a better way to celebrate National Science Day than doing some science experiments with kids. In fact, adults will enjoy these experiments too.
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Making homemade slime is a great science project for kids and adults. Mix one part of glue, three parts of water and baking soda. Add a few drops of food colouring. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then knead it in your hands until it becomes smooth and consistent. It will feel like silly putty.
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When we think of science, you may not automatically think about water; but water is the most important chemical compound on earth. So, experiment with light and coloured water. You will need two cups of water and food colours. Fill one cup with blue food colouring and the other with yellow; place them on either side of a light source. Now, carefully pour some of the blue fluid into the cup with the yellow water. Observe what happens!
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The magic of plant life - Plants are excellent subjects for science experiments and activities. You can find them anywhere and they come in all shapes, sizes, colours, and textures. Plants need sunlight, water, and soil to grow. Kids can study what effect different types of light have on a plant's growth or test how many days a plant needs before it wilts.
The theme for National Science Day 2022
At the beginning of this blog, we had mentioned the National Science Day theme 2022; it is an "integrated approach in science and technology for a sustainable future". According to the Ministry of Science & Technology, a four-pronged integrated strategy in science and technology will help our country to leverage the next-generation innovations for growth and development. The four-pronged approaches are:
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Integrating all scientific departments towards a theme-based research approach.
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Extending scientific integration of engineering, medical and other institutions.
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Identifying and integrating connected requirements of different ministries.
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Promoting science-driven inclusive approach for integrating start-ups & industries.
Finally
So, now you know the answer to when is National Science Day celebrated and why. Let’s not wait any more. Anyone can make a difference in the journey towards scientific literacy. You can help by spreading awareness about the importance of science, or by committing to teach others how to appreciate science. So, take some time today, or this week, and finalise how you will celebrate the National Science Day theme 2022. Start sharing your ideas here as contribution to make National Science Day 2022 in India a great success.
Also, if you are a student looking to pursue science after finishing high school or a parent of a child with a scientific mind, visit
RNB Global University’s website to check out the various exciting majors we offer.