Empowering Young Minds Through Science: The Legacy of C.V. Raman

01 Mar Empowering Young Minds Through Science: The Legacy of C.V. Raman

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GS-03- Science & Technology : Empowering Young Minds Through Science: The Legacy of C.V. Raman

FOR PRELIMS

What is Raman effect, theme of National Science Day. history of National Science Day.

FOR MAINS

Why in the News?

National Science Day celebrated annually on February 28 commemorates the anniversary of Sir C.V. Raman’s groundbreaking discovery of the Raman Effect. National Science Day 2025 is in the spotlight due to its theme, “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for VIKSIT BHARAT.” This theme highlights the essential role of scientific research, technological advancement, and youth-driven innovation in India’s roadmap for development, aligning with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

National Science Day & When Was It Started?

National Science Day was first observed in 1987 following the recommendation of the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect on February 28, 1928. The day serves to inspire scientific temperament among students and the public, promoting awareness about the role of science in everyday life.
A 2021 survey by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India, found that over 60% of Indian students credited National Science Day activities with increasing their interest in scientific research.

Theme of National Science Day 2025

Every year, National Science Day is celebrated with a unique theme that highlights a particular aspect of scientific development. The theme for 2025 is yet to be officially announced, but it is expected to focus on emerging technologies and their role in sustainable development. The themes of previous years have ranged from “Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future” to “Global Science for Global Well-being”, emphasizing the significance of science in addressing global challenges.

C.V. Raman: A Brief About His Personality

Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India. From an early age, he exhibited an exceptional aptitude for science and mathematics. He pursued his higher education at Presidency College, Madras, where he topped his university and earned a gold medal in physics.
Raman’s passion for research led him to work at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata, where he made his historic discovery. His charismatic personality, deep curiosity, and relentless pursuit of knowledge made him an inspiration for countless aspiring scientists. Throughout his life, he emphasized the importance of indigenous scientific research and encouraged young minds to explore the mysteries of nature.
In recognition of his immense contribution, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1954.

Discoveries of C.V. Raman

While C.V. Raman is best known for his discovery of the Raman Effect, he made significant contributions in various fields of physics, including:
Scattering of Light: His extensive research on light scattering led to the discovery of the Raman Effect.
Acoustics: He studied the physics of musical instruments, explaining the unique sound quality of Indian string instruments such as the veena and violin.
Optics and Crystallography: Raman investigated the optical properties of several crystals, contributing to the understanding of their molecular structures.
Physiology of Vision: He conducted research on the human eye, particularly the physics of light perception.
According to a report published in Nature (1931), Raman’s studies on diamond’s light-scattering properties were instrumental in the development of early diamond synthesis techniques.

What is the Raman Effect?

The Raman Effect is a phenomenon in which light, when passing through a transparent substance, is scattered, and some of the scattered light undergoes a shift in wavelength. This change in wavelength is due to the interaction of photons with the molecular vibrations of the medium.

Mechanism of the Raman Effect

Incident Light: A beam of monochromatic light (usually from a laser) is directed at a sample.
Interaction with Molecules: The light photons interact with the molecules in the substance, transferring energy to or from them.
Scattered Light: Most scattered photons have the same energy as the incident photons (Rayleigh Scattering), but a small fraction gains or loses energy due to molecular vibrations.
Frequency Shift: The energy change corresponds to a shift in frequency, which provides unique insights into the molecular composition of the substance.
A 2018 study by MIT demonstrated how Raman spectroscopy can accurately identify the chemical composition of unknown substances in under 10 milliseconds, making it invaluable in rapid diagnostic applications.

Applications of Raman Effect in Diverse Fields

The Raman Effect has found extensive applications in various scientific and industrial domains:
Chemistry and Material Science:Identification of molecular structures. Detection of chemical compositions in unknown substances
Medical Science and Pharmaceuticals:Non-invasive diagnosis of diseases such as cancer. Drug analysis and quality control. A 2020 report by Harvard Medical School showed that Raman spectroscopy could detect early-stage cancer with 97% accuracy.
Forensic Science: Identification of drugs, explosives, and counterfeit products
Crime scene investigations through chemical analysis
Nanotechnology: Characterization of nanomaterials and graphene structures
A 2021 IEEE research paper highlighted the use of Raman spectroscopy in semiconductor manufacturing for precise quality control.
Environmental Science: Detection of pollutants and toxic chemicals in air and water
Monitoring climate changes through atmospheric studies
Astrophysics and Space Science: Analysis of the composition of distant planets and celestial bodies
NASA’s Perseverance Rover used Raman spectroscopy to detect potential bio-signatures on Mars in 2021.
Raman spectroscopy has become an indispensable tool in modern scientific research, showcasing the brilliance of Raman’s discovery.

Conclusion

Sir C.V. Raman was a visionary scientist whose contributions to physics revolutionized our understanding of light and matter. His discovery of the Raman Effect not only won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 but also paved the way for numerous technological advancements across various fields.
The celebration of National Science Day on February 28th each year serves as a tribute to his legacy and an inspiration for future generations to pursue scientific endeavors. With Raman’s pioneering work continuing to influence modern science, his contributions remain immortal in the annals of history. His life and achievements remind us of the power of curiosity, perseverance, and the quest for knowledge in shaping the world of tomorrow.