Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman

(The Light That Scattered Across Science)

Celebrating National Science Day 2025

On the eve of National Science Day-2025, and for inculcating scientific spirit and temper, we need to know about Sir C.V. Raman, whose groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern physics in India and got the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.

National Science Day is celebrated every year on February 28, to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C. V. Raman in 1928. This year, National Science Day 2025 is observed under the theme: “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat.” This theme underscores the necessity of equipping young minds with scientific knowledge and fostering innovation to propel India towards self-reliance and global leadership—a vision that C.V. Raman himself championed throughout his lifetime.

On this day, science exhibitions, competitions, and programs are organized across schools, colleges, and research institutions, involving students, educators, and researchers. Eminent scientists and professors deliver lectures to inspire young minds and foster scientific curiosity.

On February 28, 1928, in a modest laboratory in Kolkata, C.V. Raman and his student K. S. Krishnan made a discovery that would revolutionize light scattering studies. The Raman Effect, which describes the change in wavelength of light when it interacts with molecules, became a fundamental principle in spectroscopy. This groundbreaking discovery won Raman the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, making him the first Asian and non-white scientist to be honoured with this prestigious award. More importantly, it proved that world-class scientific research could be conducted in India, without relying on Western institutions.

Born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, Raman grew up in a household that nurtured intellectual curiosity. His father, a lecturer in mathematics and physics, played a crucial role in shaping his early interests. At the age of 16, Raman completed his B. A. in Physics from Presidency College, Madras, securing the first rank and a gold medal. By 18, he had already completed his M. A. in Physics, a remarkable feat at such a young age. Despite having opportunities to study abroad, he chose to stay in India, proving that scientific excellence was achievable even with limited resources—a belief that aligns with today’s vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

While traveling by sea in 1921, Raman was intrigued by the deep blue colour of the Mediterranean Sea. The prevailing explanation—that the sea appeared blue due to the reflection of the sky—did not satisfy him. Determined to uncover the truth, he began conducting experiments on light scattering upon his return to India.

Using indigenous technology and simple scientific instruments, he proved that the blue colour of the ocean was due to the scattering of sunlight by water molecules. This discovery laid the foundation for his later work on the Raman Effect, which has since become a crucial tool in fields such as medicine, nanotechnology, space research, nuclear physics, and forensic science.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Raman’s work was the simplicity of his experimental setup. The Raman Effect was discovered using a simple prism, a diffraction grating, and a basic spectrograph, costing only a fraction of what Western laboratories were spending on similar research.

This demonstrated Raman’s vision that pathbreaking physics could be done with simple instruments, provided one thinks in the right direction. His approach remains an inspiration for young scientists, proving that creativity and determination are more important than expensive equipment.

 

Apart from the Raman Effect, C.V. Raman made significant contributions to multiple scientific disciplines. His studies on sound propagation in musical instruments like the violin, mridangam, and tabla provided insights into acoustics. His work on crystal physics advanced the understanding of diamond structures and quartz, influencing material science and optical technologies.

The Raman-Nath Theory, which describes the diffraction of light in ultrasonic fields, has significant applications in laser technology, which is now critical for India’s space programs, defence systems, and medical advancements. His research on light-matter interactions also holds relevance in nuclear spectroscopy, a technique widely used in nuclear physics for studying atomic and subatomic structures.

A firm believer in self-reliance and indigenous technology, Raman strongly opposed the idea that India needed Western support for scientific progress. He refused to patent the Raman Effect, believing that scientific discoveries should serve humanity rather than commercial interests.

In 1933, he became the first Indian director of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, breaking the British monopoly on high academic positions. However, due to conflicts over his vision for independent scientific research, he later established the Raman Research Institute in 1948, ensuring that India could conduct world-class research without depending on foreign institutions.

To honour his contributions, the Government of India declared February 28 as National Science Day in 1986. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of scientific research, innovation, and self-reliance—principles that are key to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat.

This year’s theme, “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat,” resonates deeply with Raman’s belief that India’s youth can lead the world in science and technology if provided with the right resources and encouragement.

Before the official announcement of the Nobel Prize in 1930, Raman confidently told his colleagues, “I am getting the Nobel Prize in Physics this year.” He was so sure of his discovery’s significance that he had already booked his return ticket from Sweden. When a British official once questioned why Raman did not wear a traditional Western suit, he responded, “My mind is what matters in science, not my attire.”

Even in his final days, Raman continued working at the Raman Research Institute. His last words to students were: “The true wealth of a nation is not its material possessions but its intellectual power.”

As we celebrate National Science Day 2025, let us remember Sir C.V. Raman’s words: “The essence of science is independent thinking, hard work, and not equipment.”

Raman’s story is not just about a Nobel Prize-winning discovery, but about the power of perseverance, independent thought, and self-reliance. His dream of a scientifically advanced India continues to inspire generations of scientists, researchers, and students. Let this National Science Day serve as a call to young minds to pursue knowledge with passion and to believe that India has the capability to lead the world in science and innovation—just as C.V. Raman proved nearly a century ago.

Thank you so much...