Friday, February 28, was India’s National Science Day, commemorating the day in 1928 when Indian scientist Sir C V Raman discovered the Raman Effect. Sir Raman received the Nobel Prize in Physics two years later.

The following prominent Indian scientists instantly spring to mind: physicist and mathematician Satyendra Nath Bose, who made the discovery of the Bose-Einstein condensate; Srinivasa Ramanujan, a mathematician who contributed to infinite series, number theory, and other fields;

APJ Abdul Kalam, the “Missile Man of India”; Jagadish Chandra Bose, whose Crescograph can record plant development and orbital movement; Homi Jehangir Bhabha, the “Father of the Indian nuclear program”; and Vikram Sarabhai, an astronomer who assisted in the launch of India’s first satellite, Aryabhatta.

Famous Indian women scientists like Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi, Kadambini Ganguly, Mary Poonen Lukose, Bibha Chowdhary, Rajeshwari Chatterjee, Kamala Sohonie, Asima Chatterjee, Iravati Karve, and others are names that very few people can remember.

Many individuals have made important contributions in a variety of sectors, some of which are only acknowledged in their local towns or areas. The National Science Day celebration seemed to be a yearly rite as the great spiritual extravaganza of Maha Kumbh came to an end.

It is widely acknowledged that science and technology are essential to a nation’s economic development since they provide new ideas and boost productivity across the board, including environmental issues. The function of science is vital to a country’s economic prosperity and improved standard of life. Without advancing science and technology, no country can advance and pursue wealth. Nonetheless, there is a perception—justifiable—that scientists in Indian society are not receiving their fair share of recognition.

More than ever, there is a need to step up efforts to advance scientific education. Indian scientists’ exposure and acknowledgment are not commensurate with their efforts.

There would be pressure to advance science and technology to the level of the top countries as governments have not yet provided funding or support to research institutions and higher education institutions to improve scientific education and research. Less than 1% of India’s GDP is now allocated on research and development.

if one considers how well the country performed in the previous year. According to the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024, India ranked 39th out of the world’s most inventive economies. India is in sixth place globally in terms of intellectual property (IP) registrations, according to the WIPO Report 2023.

According to the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024 research, India rose from 79th place in 2019 to 49th place in 2024. NRI assigns rankings to countries based on how ICT is used and how it affects 133 global economies. It is obvious that India has to catch up in order to compete with the world’s top economies, which support scientific research and education significantly more effectively than developing nations like India.

For the recent boost to the nation’s science and technology industry, the Narendra Modi administration is deserving of praise. The Ministry of Science and Technology will spend around ₹28,508 crore in the fiscal year 2025–2026. In comparison to the actual spending of ₹4,002 crore in the previous fiscal year and the budgeted allocation of ₹5,661 crore in the current fiscal year, this is a substantial allocation.

Science seems to be at danger these days. In addition to withdrawing the US from the Paris Climate Agreement, US President Donald Trump has shown little faith in facts based on science.

When governments act as if nothing is wrong despite environmental degradation increasing and the last several years being the warmest in recorded human history, scientists shouldn’t keep quiet. The moment has come for scientists to speak out.