National Science Day: PM Modi, other political leaders extend greetings

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended his greetings to the nation on the occasion of National Science Day, February 28.

He wrote on Twitter, “National Science Day greetings to all scientists and science enthusiasts. Let us reaffirm our commitment towards fulfilling our collective scientific responsibility and leveraging the power of science for human progress.”

The PM also shared a clip from his Mann ki Baat address on Sunday, in which he paid tribute to renowned Indian scientists and Dr CV Raman, in honour of whom the day is celebrated.

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Other political leaders joined PM Modi in wishing the people of the country. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, tweeted,  “Today, let us reaffirm our commitment towards fulfilling our collective responsibility in making our children more curious and inculcating a scientific temper in our youth.”

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Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu, noted the ‘paramount’ role played by science in a country’s progress and advancement. “Greetings to all scientists on National Science Day!

This day marks the discovery of the Raman Effect by the distinguished scientist Sir CV Raman. Science plays a paramount role in the progress and technological advancement of any country,” he tweeted. 

Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Gangadharrao Fadnavis, also wished the nation on the occasion, writing, “India has shown the way to the world by biggest vaccination drive. Inventing India’s own vaccines is definitely a milestone achievement in this Abhiyan.
On National Science Day, saluting India’s scientists & greetings to all who are leading the nation in science & technology.”

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Chief Minister of Odisha and president of the Biju Janata Dal, Naveen Patnaik, reminded the country of the contribution of Dr CV Raman. “Humble tributes to eminent scientist, Nobel laureate and Bharat Ratna CV Raman on NationalScienceDay, celebrated to mark the discovery of Raman effect. His pioneering work in physics and other scientific achievements will continue to inspire scientists and students,” he posted on Twitter.

The first National Science Day was celebrated in 1987. It took place after the National Council for Science and Technology Communication asked the Government of India to observe February 28 as National Science Day in order to mark the anniversary of the Raman Effect. 

Dr CV Raman, who was a renowned scientist did his bachelors and masters in Physics from the Presidency College in Madras. He was felicitated with Bharat Ratna for his contribution to the field of science in 1954. Other than the Raman effect, he also made several other scientific discoveries like the harmonic nature of the tabla and mridangam, and the optical behaviour of many pigmented materials.