National Science Day (NSD) will be celebrated at Vigyan Bhawan this time with President Ram Nath Kovind presenting several awards for science communication and popularization as well as for women scientists. Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Science & Technology, Health and Family Welfare and Earth Sciences and Smriti Irani, Cabinet Minister for Textiles and Women & Child Development, will also grace the occasion.

NSD is celebrated every year on 28 February to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect.’ The Government of India designated 28 February as National Science Day (NSD) in 1986.  On this day, Sir C.V. Raman announced the discovery of the 'Raman Effect' for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930. On this occasion, theme-based science communication activities are carried out all over the country.

The theme of NSD-2020 is ‘Women in Science.’ The occasion will include a lecture of eminent scientist Prof Gagandeep Kang, Director of the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, who is the first woman FRS of India to talk on the theme of the NSD-2020.

NSD Theme has been chosen for the purpose of increasing public appreciation of the scientific issues involved. Celebrations of important Scientific Days with associated events bring scientific awareness in the community. Many institutions organize an open house for their laboratories and appraise students about career opportunities available in a particular research laboratory/institution.

National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science and Technology (DST) acts as a nodal agency to support, catalyze and coordinate the celebration of the National Science Day throughout the country in scientific institutions, research laboratories and autonomous scientific institutions associated with the Department of Science and Technology.  NCSTC has supported various programs countrywide by supporting its State S&T Councils & Departments for the organization of lectures, quizzes, open houses, etc.

DST instituted National Awards for Science Popularization in February 1987 to stimulate, encourage, and recognize outstanding efforts in the area of science and technology for popularization, communication, and promoting scientific temper. These awards are presented every year on National Science Day.