Manipal, March 2021.

Ever since 1987, February 28 is designated as National Science Day and it is being annually celebrated all over India to commemorate discovery of Raman Effect by Sir CV Raman in 1928. Sir CV Raman was awarded Nobel prize in the year 1930 at a young age of 42 years and was recognized with India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna in the year 1954.  The objective of designating February 28^th as National Science day is to spread the importance of Science and its application to all aspects of human life by showcasing the developments and implementation of science. 

During the past 20 years, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, has been celebrating National Science Day on February 28^th by promoting number of activities among the high school and higher primary school children in the region during the preceding two months.  These include model building, drawing and elocution competitions in the defined thematic areas.  In addition, MAHE has been hosting bright and interested students for residential hands on science training at the Manipal School of Life Sciences (MSLS) culminating with Science day celebrations.

Despite prevailing situations and with due precautions, MAHE hosted the Science day celebrations on 28^th February, 2021 at Manipal School of Life Sciences, MAHE, Manipal.  In his message to the participating students, Chief Guest Lt Gen (Dr) MD Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, highlighted the contribution of Sir CV Raman to the advancement of Scientific temper in India and urged the students to follow his footsteps and contribute to scientific knowledge.  Presidential address was given by Dr HS Ballal, Pro Chancellor of MAHE. He highlighted list of opportunities provided to the school children to pursue higher education in the internationally acclaimed Manipal Academy of Higher Education following aspirations of its founder Late Dr TMA Pai.  He reminded the children to follow their role models who built nation for the welfare of the people.   Dr. HS Ballal, Lt Gen (Dr) MD Venkatesh, Registrar of MAHE, Dr Narayana Sabhahit and Dr. K. Satyamoorthy, Director, MSLS, gave away the prizes to winners of various competitions. Dr Narayana Sabhahit welcomed the gathering and Dr KP Guruprasad, Associate Director of MSLS, proposed the vote of thanks.