Celebrating National Science Day 2024
‘Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat’
By: Sadaket Ali Malik
National Science Day in India is observed annually on February 28, which commemorates the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ by the eminent Indian scientist Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman in 1928. This phenomenon, highlighting the scattering of photons, marked a significant contribution to the field of science, earning Raman an international acclaim. The day serves as a tribute to his pioneering work and aims to promote scientific temper and curiosity among the masses.
The theme for National Science Day 2024, ‘Indigenous Technologies for Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), focuses on promoting home-grown scientific advancements and technological innovations.
This day holds historical significance as it pays homage to Raman’s contribution to science and aims to instill a scientific spirit among the public. Celebrations often include various events, seminars, and exhibitions to highlight the importance of science and technology in the country’s progress. The chosen theme for 2024 resembles with India’s commitment to fostering indigenous technologies for the nation’s development.
National Science Day in India serves as a platform to emphasize the vital role of science in life. The celebration aims to showcase the activities, efforts, and achievements in the scientific field, with a specific focus on promoting human welfare. It provides a forum for discussing issues and implementing new technologies to advance scientific development. Moreover, the day is dedicated to encouraging and popularizing science and technology among the citizens, fostering a scientific mind-set for the overall progress of the nation.
The recent scientific achievements in India reflect a remarkable upward trajectory over the past decade, positioning the country among the top five globally in scientific research publications. India retains 40th rank out of 132 economies in the Global Innovation Index 2023 rankings published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
India’s 2023 GHI score is 28.7, considered serious according to the GHI Severity of Hunger Scale. This is a slight improvement from its 2015 GHI score of 29.2, also considered serious, and shows considerable improvement relative to its 2000 and 2008 GHI scores of 38.4 and 35.5, respectively, both considered alarming.
India’s technological journey over the past few decades has been remarkable, transforming from a mere tech follower to a pioneering force that is actively shaping the global technology landscape. This transformation is deeply rooted in strategic initiatives, educational investments, and a vast pool of skilled professionals that have propelled the nation into the forefront of the tech world.
One of the key contributors to India’s tech prowess has been its evolution into a global IT outsourcing hub. Leveraging a large talent pool, the country became a preferred destination for IT services, showcasing its capabilities in software development, maintenance, and support. This laid the foundation for India’s reputation as a reliable and cost-effective IT solution provider on the global stage.
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in India’s approach, moving beyond being a service provider to fostering a culture of innovation. This is evident in the surge of start-ups across various domains. The start-up ecosystem in India has witnessed exponential growth, with innovative solutions emerging in areas such as fintech, healthcare, agriculture, and more. Government support, incubators, and a conducive environment for entrepreneurship have all contributed to this vibrant start-up culture.
Space technology is another arena where India has showcased its technological prowess. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved remarkable milestones, including successful satellite launches, Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), and contributions to international space collaborations. The signing of the Artemis Accords, making India the 27th country to join this global space collaboration, exemplifies the nation’s commitment to space exploration and collaboration.
India’s semiconductor and electronics manufacturing capabilities have also come to the fore with initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). The goal to make India a global hub for chip manufacturing is supported by investments and collaborations with global semiconductor giants. The construction of Micron’s semiconductor plant in Gujarat is a testament to India’s ambitions in this critical technology domain.
Defence capabilities have seen significant strides with the development of indigenous weapon systems like the Akash Missile. Its ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously demonstrates India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence. The commissioning of INS Vikrant, India’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, further enhances the nation’s naval capabilities and showcases its prowess in advanced naval technology.
Telecommunications is yet another sector where India has made headlines, achieving the fastest 5G rollout in history. The deployment of a vast number of 5G sites by major players like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel underscores India’s commitment to staying at the forefront of global telecommunications advancements. Furthermore, aspirations for 6G technology highlight the nation’s forward-looking approach.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has not been overlooked, with the launch of an AI Mission to provide startups and innovators with enhanced computing power. This mission aims to tackle critical challenges in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and education, fostering the development of AI applications that contribute to societal advancements.
India’s technological strides in 2023 are evidence to the nation’s commitment to innovation, self-reliance, and global leadership in various technological domains. From semiconductor manufacturing to space exploration, defence capabilities, telecommunications, and AI, India is not just keeping pace with global advancements but is actively shaping the future of technology on the world stage. As the nation continues to move forward, it is evident that India is not merely adopting technology but is emerging as a driving force in defining the future of global technology.
This success can be attributed to the strengthening of the Science and Technology (S&T) ecosystem, particularly in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Astronomy, Solar & Wind Energy, Semiconductors, Climate Research, Space Research, and Biotechnology. India’s scientific prowess extends beyond Earth, with the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon’s South Pole, making India the first country to achieve this milestone.
National Science Day is marked by a range of engaging activities. Students from schools and colleges actively participate by showcasing diverse science projects. National and state science institutions contribute by presenting their latest research findings. The celebration involves public speeches, radio and TV talk shows, exhibitions featuring science movies, and science exhibitions centred around specific themes and concepts.
The event also embraces activities like stargazing, live demonstrations of projects and research, debates, quiz competitions, lectures, and exhibitions of science models. This multifaceted approach helps in fostering a scientific spirit, encouraging innovation, and creating awareness about the importance of science and technology among people of all ages.
The author is a Teacher in School Education Department Jammu
Kashmir Images is an English language daily newspaper published from Srinagar (J&K), India. The newspaper is one of the largest circulated English dailies of Kashmir and its hard copies reach every nook and corner of Kashmir Valley besides Jammu and Ladakh region.
