The CSIR and its laboratories celebrated National Science Day 2026 across the nation through a series of engaging activities, including lectures, student visits, demonstrations, and public outreach programmes aimed at promoting scientific awareness and curiosity among young minds and the general public.

This year’s National Science Day (28 February) was observed under the theme “Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat”, highlighting the pivotal role of women in advancing scientific innovation and shaping a developed and self-reliant India.

As part of the celebrations in the national capital, the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, and the Science Communication and Dissemination Directorate (SCDD), CSIR Headquarters, organised a special programme to commemorate the life and legacy of Nobel Laureate Sir CV Raman and his path-breaking discovery of the Raman Effect.

An exhibition showcasing the life, scientific journey, and pioneering contributions of Sir CV Raman was displayed along Dr CV Raman Marg, drawing members of the public and creating awareness about India’s rich scientific heritage.

Adding a strong experiential dimension to the celebration, scientists from CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi, namely Dr Subashis Panja, Dr Shibu Saha, and Dr Vidyanand Singh, along with Dr Soumik Siddhanta and Mr Himanshu Yadav (PhD student) from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), conducted a live demonstration of the Raman Effect. The demonstration enabled participants to witness firsthand the phenomenon that revolutionised modern spectroscopy and continues to underpin advancements in science and technology.

This was followed by an engaging lecture session delivered jointly by the scientists from CSIR-NPL and IIT Delhi, who explained the Raman Effect, its scientific significance, and its wide-ranging applications in fields such as materials science, chemistry, medicine, and industry. The session was attended by enthusiastic school students as well as undergraduate students from Jamia Hamdard, who interacted actively with the experts.

In addition, participating students were taken on a guided visit to various laboratories at CSIR-IGIB, where they were introduced to ongoing research activities and cutting-edge facilities, further enriching their exposure to contemporary scientific research.

In a special public outreach initiative to mark the occasion, the Science Communication and Dissemination Directorate, CSIR Headquarters, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, organised the illumination of the iconic Qutub Minar in the evening. The monument was specially lit up to spread awareness about National Science Day and to celebrate the transformative role of science in society.

Through these nationwide activities, CSIR reaffirmed its commitment to fostering scientific temper, inspiring young learners, and bringing science closer to society in meaningful and engaging ways, in alignment with the national vision of a science-led Viksit Bharat.