Approaching 100 Years of the Raman Effect Honouring India’s scientific legacy for young minds
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Dr Thongam Gomti Devi
Every year, when February arrives, I remember an important day celebrated across our country, especially in schools, colleges, and technical and non-technical universities, the National Science Day. National Science Day is celebrated every year on 28th February, the Birthday of Sir CV Raman, a renowned scientist who won the Nobel Prize for the discovery of the Raman effect. In 1986, the Government of India declared 28 February as National Science Day, and since then, this day has been celebrated annually to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect. C.V. Raman was the first Asian to receive the Nobel Prize in any branch of science.
As National Science Day approaches, it offers a meaningful opportunity to recount the inspiring life story of Sir CV Raman. Through this column, readers—especially children and young people—can learn about the journey, discoveries, and dedication of this great Indian scientist, whose work earned him the Nobel Prize and continues to inspire generations. Chandra- sekhara Venkata Raman was born in Tiruchirappalli, Southern India, on November 7th, 1888. His father was a lecturer in mathematics and physics, and from an early age, he was immersed in an academic environment. He entered Presi- dency College, Madras, in 1902 and, in 1904, passed his BA examination, securing first place and the gold medal in Physics. In 1907, he earned his Master’s degree with the highest distinction from the University of Madras.
His earliest research in optics and acoustics—the two fields to which he dedicated his entire career—was undertaken during his student years.
At that time, a scientific career did notappear to offer the most promising prospects, and so Raman joined the Indian Finance Department in 1907. Although his official duties occupied much of his time, he consistently found opportunities to pursue experimental research in the laboratory of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science in Calcutta, where he later served as Honorary Secretary in 1919.
In 1917, Raman was offered the newly endowed Palit Chair of Physics at the University of Calcutta, which he accepted. After fifteen years at Calcutta, he became Professor at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (1933–1948). He later served as Director of the Raman Research Institute in Bangalore from 1948, an institution he founded and endowed.
Raman also founded the Indian Journal of Physics in 1926 and served as its Editor. He sponsored the establishment of the Indian Academy of Sciences and served as its President from its inception. He further initiated the Proceedings of the Academy, in which much of his work was published, and served as President of the Current Science Association, Bangalore, which pu- blishes Current Science (India).
Some of Raman’s early memoirs appeared as Bulletins of the Indian Associationfor the Cultivation of Science (Bull. 6 and 11, dealing with the “Maintenance of Vibrations”; Bull. 15, 1918, dealing with the theory of the musical instruments of the violin family). He contributed an article on the theory of musical instruments to the 8th Volume of the Handbuch der Physik, 1928. In 1922, he published his work on the “Molecular Diffraction of Light”, the first of a series of investigations with his collaborators which ultimately led to his discovery, on the 28th of February, 1928, of the radiation effect which bears his name (“A new radiation”, Indian J. Phys., 2 (1928) 387). This groundbreaking discovery earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
Other investigations carried out by Raman included his experimental and theoretical studies on the di- ffraction of light by acoustic waves at ultrasonic and hypersonic frequencies (published 1934-1942), and those on the effects of X-rays on infrared vibrations in crystals exposed to ordinary light. In 1948, Raman, by studying the spec-troscopic behaviour of crystals, approached fundamental problems of crystal dynamics in a new way. His laboratory has been studying the structure and properties of diamond and the structure and optical behaviour of numerous iridescent substances (labra-dorite, pearly felspar, agate, opal, and pearls).Among his other interests have been the optics of colloids, electrical and magnetic anisotropy, and the physiology of human vision.
Raman has been honoured with numerous honorary doctorates and memberships in scientific societies. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society early in his career (1924), and was knighted in 1929.
Such a great scientist and his life story have inspired countless young minds. As National Science Day approaches and we celebrate the approaching 100 years of the discovery of the Raman Effect, I, being a Raman spectroscopist, would like to share the story of this remarkable discovery with young students, to inspire them to pursue science with curiosity, perseverance, and leadership, just as Raman did.Hence, the discovery of the Raman Effect continues to inspire young minds, and the key lessons from his biography are presented below.
1. Curiosity and passion drive success
Raman pursued science not for fame but out of pure passion. His deep curiosity ultimately led to the discovery of the Raman Effect, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.
2. Hard work always pays off
Although resources were limited at that time, his commitment to research earned him global recognition, demonstrating that hard work leads to success.
3. Never stop learning
Even after winning the Nobel Prize, he continued his research. His life teaches us that learning is a lifelong process, not a destination.
4. Think beyond boundaries
His success stories show that you need to think beyond boundaries and limitations. This is well-suited to our current state.
5. Confidence in your work matters
When his discovery was met with doubt, he stood by it—showing that believing in your ideas and standing your ground are key to success.
6. Science is for society
CV Raman strongly believed that science should not exist in isolation or be pursued solely for personal achievement. He felt that scientific knowledge must ultimately serve society, improve human life, and contribute to national development. Raman emphasized self-reliance in scientific research and encouraged using science to address social and economic pro- blems, especially in a developing country like India. For him, the true value of scientific progress lay not just in discoveries but in how those discoveries benefited society at large and advanced the greater good.
7. Inspire the next generation
In his later years, he de-dicated himself to men- toring younger generations, proving that true leaders inspire others to achieve greatness. The theme of National Science Day varies each year.The theme for National Science Day 2026 will focus on advancing scientific research, technolo- gical innovation and raising awareness about the role of Science in solving global challenges. Hence, National Science Day 2026 is not just a celebration of science, but a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and dreams. It encourages students to ask questions, think logically, and explore the world with a scientific mindset. When students learn to check facts, avoid superstition, and think before believing what they see on social media, they grow into confident, responsible thinkers who can shape a better future for themselves and the nation.
As India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, young minds will play a key role in shaping a strong and innovative nation. By celebrating National Science Day with enthusiasm, we inspire the next generation to believe in science, believe in themselves, and work towards a brighter future for India.
The writer is Professor Dept of Physics, MU
Every year, when February arrives, I remember an important day celebrated across our country, especially in schools, colleges, and technical and non-technical universities, the National Science Day. National Science Day is celebrated every year on 28th February, the Birthday of Sir CV Raman, a renowned scientist who won the Nobel Prize for the discovery of the Raman effect. In 1986, the Government of India declared 28 February as National Science Day, and since then, this day has been celebrated annually to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect. C.V. Raman was the first Asian to receive the Nobel Prize in any branch of science.
As National Science Day approaches, it offers a meaningful opportunity to recount the inspiring life story of Sir CV Raman. Through this column, readers—especially children and young people—can learn about the journey, discoveries, and dedication of this great Indian scientist, whose work earned him the Nobel Prize and continues to inspire generations. Chandra- sekhara Venkata Raman was born in Tiruchirappalli, Southern India, on November 7th, 1888. His father was a lecturer in mathematics and physics, and from an early age, he was immersed in an academic environment. He entered Presi- dency College, Madras, in 1902 and, in 1904, passed his BA examination, securing first place and the gold medal in Physics. In 1907, he earned his Master’s degree with the highest distinction from the University of Madras.
His earliest research in optics and acoustics—the two fields to which he dedicated his entire career—was undertaken during his student years.
At that time, a scientific career did notappear to offer the most promising prospects, and so Raman joined the Indian Finance Department in 1907. Although his official duties occupied much of his time, he consistently found opportunities to pursue experimental research in the laboratory of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science in Calcutta, where he later served as Honorary Secretary in 1919.
In 1917, Raman was offered the newly endowed Palit Chair of Physics at the University of Calcutta, which he accepted. After fifteen years at Calcutta, he became Professor at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (1933–1948). He later served as Director of the Raman Research Institute in Bangalore from 1948, an institution he founded and endowed.
Raman also founded the Indian Journal of Physics in 1926 and served as its Editor. He sponsored the establishment of the Indian Academy of Sciences and served as its President from its inception. He further initiated the Proceedings of the Academy, in which much of his work was published, and served as President of the Current Science Association, Bangalore, which pu- blishes Current Science (India).
Some of Raman’s early memoirs appeared as Bulletins of the Indian Associationfor the Cultivation of Science (Bull. 6 and 11, dealing with the “Maintenance of Vibrations”; Bull. 15, 1918, dealing with the theory of the musical instruments of the violin family). He contributed an article on the theory of musical instruments to the 8th Volume of the Handbuch der Physik, 1928. In 1922, he published his work on the “Molecular Diffraction of Light”, the first of a series of investigations with his collaborators which ultimately led to his discovery, on the 28th of February, 1928, of the radiation effect which bears his name (“A new radiation”, Indian J. Phys., 2 (1928) 387). This groundbreaking discovery earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
Other investigations carried out by Raman included his experimental and theoretical studies on the di- ffraction of light by acoustic waves at ultrasonic and hypersonic frequencies (published 1934-1942), and those on the effects of X-rays on infrared vibrations in crystals exposed to ordinary light. In 1948, Raman, by studying the spec-troscopic behaviour of crystals, approached fundamental problems of crystal dynamics in a new way. His laboratory has been studying the structure and properties of diamond and the structure and optical behaviour of numerous iridescent substances (labra-dorite, pearly felspar, agate, opal, and pearls).Among his other interests have been the optics of colloids, electrical and magnetic anisotropy, and the physiology of human vision.
Raman has been honoured with numerous honorary doctorates and memberships in scientific societies. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society early in his career (1924), and was knighted in 1929.
Such a great scientist and his life story have inspired countless young minds. As National Science Day approaches and we celebrate the approaching 100 years of the discovery of the Raman Effect, I, being a Raman spectroscopist, would like to share the story of this remarkable discovery with young students, to inspire them to pursue science with curiosity, perseverance, and leadership, just as Raman did.Hence, the discovery of the Raman Effect continues to inspire young minds, and the key lessons from his biography are presented below.
1. Curiosity and passion drive success
Raman pursued science not for fame but out of pure passion. His deep curiosity ultimately led to the discovery of the Raman Effect, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics.
2. Hard work always pays off
Although resources were limited at that time, his commitment to research earned him global recognition, demonstrating that hard work leads to success.
3. Never stop learning
Even after winning the Nobel Prize, he continued his research. His life teaches us that learning is a lifelong process, not a destination.
4. Think beyond boundaries
His success stories show that you need to think beyond boundaries and limitations. This is well-suited to our current state.
5. Confidence in your work matters
When his discovery was met with doubt, he stood by it—showing that believing in your ideas and standing your ground are key to success.
6. Science is for society
CV Raman strongly believed that science should not exist in isolation or be pursued solely for personal achievement. He felt that scientific knowledge must ultimately serve society, improve human life, and contribute to national development. Raman emphasized self-reliance in scientific research and encouraged using science to address social and economic pro- blems, especially in a developing country like India. For him, the true value of scientific progress lay not just in discoveries but in how those discoveries benefited society at large and advanced the greater good.
7. Inspire the next generation
In his later years, he de-dicated himself to men- toring younger generations, proving that true leaders inspire others to achieve greatness. The theme of National Science Day varies each year.The theme for National Science Day 2026 will focus on advancing scientific research, technolo- gical innovation and raising awareness about the role of Science in solving global challenges. Hence, National Science Day 2026 is not just a celebration of science, but a celebration of curiosity, creativity, and dreams. It encourages students to ask questions, think logically, and explore the world with a scientific mindset. When students learn to check facts, avoid superstition, and think before believing what they see on social media, they grow into confident, responsible thinkers who can shape a better future for themselves and the nation.
As India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, young minds will play a key role in shaping a strong and innovative nation. By celebrating National Science Day with enthusiasm, we inspire the next generation to believe in science, believe in themselves, and work towards a brighter future for India.
The writer is Professor Dept of Physics, MU