Samskruti Foundation 2023 : Celebrating National Science Day 2023 – Nurturing Scientific Temper Among Youth

Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists

Every year on February 28, India celebrates National Science Day to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C. V. Raman in 1928 — a groundbreaking contribution that earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics. This day serves as a reminder of India’s rich scientific heritage and its ongoing pursuit of innovation and discovery.

In 2023, Samskruti Foundation carried this spirit forward through a unique initiative — connecting students with India’s premier research institutions. The Foundation organized study visits across 20 scientific organizations in Hyderabad, enabling students to experience science beyond textbooks and classrooms.

A Celebration Rooted in India’s Scientific and Cultural Spirit

Samskruti Foundation believes that science and culture are two complementary pillars of India’s civilizational wisdom. The Foundation’s mission — “To preserve, protect, and promote Bharatiya culture and ethos through research, education, training, and dialogue” — extends naturally to promoting scientific inquiry and curiosity.

“There is no conflict between science and spirituality,” said Dr. C. Umamaheswara Rao (IAS Retd.), Chairman of Samskruti Foundation.“Both are essential for human advancement. While science discovers the laws of nature, spirituality reveals the laws of life.”

The Foundation approaches National Science Day as a platform to nurture both analytical thinking and ethical awareness — empowering youth to pursue knowledge with purpose.

Building Bridges Between Institutions and Youth

The 2023 program was designed as an experiential learning initiative under the theme “Global Science for Global Wellbeing.” Students from engineering, technology, and science colleges were given the opportunity to explore real-world research environments and interact with scientists from organizations such as:

• DRDO – Research Centre Imarat (RCI)

• Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)

• National Institute of Nutrition (NIN)

• Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI)

• ICAR – Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR)

• ICAR – National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM)

• CSIR – Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT)

• Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

• Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL)

• National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI)

These visits gave students a real sense of India’s scientific capabilities in fields such as agriculture, defense, aerospace, and biotechnology.

Messages from Leadership

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Jha, Chairman and Managing Director of MIDHANI, lauded Samskruti Foundation for fostering scientific temperament among youth.

“This initiative bridges the gap between experts and students, enabling young minds to understand how science shapes our nation’s future. Such programs will surely inspire India’s next generation of innovators.”

The Foundation’s leadership — including Dr. W. G. Prasanna Kumar, Chairman of MGNCRE (Ministry of Education), and Dr. Vivek Modi, Director of Nation-Building Campaign — emphasized that education must go beyond classrooms to cultivate hands-on understanding and a spirit of inquiry.

Student Experiences: Learning by Doing

Over 700 students from 21 colleges participated in this program. Their experiences reflected excitement, curiosity, and gratitude.

At BHEL, students witnessed turbine manufacturing; at DRDO, they learned about avionics and missile technology; and at NIN, they interacted with scientists conducting nutrition research critical to India’s health mission.

“It was an eye-opening experience,” said a student participant.“We learned how science connects to everyday life and how research drives innovation for the nation’s progress.”

These visits helped young minds understand how scientific innovation is deeply linked with sustainable development and national pride.

Team Behind the Initiative

The event was made possible through the guidance of Dr. W. G. Prasanna Kumar, Project Mentor, and the efforts of a dedicated implementation team comprising Shri T. Rambabu, Dr. Vivek Modi, Shri G. Natraj, Smt. N. Naga Prasanthi, Shri E. Ramesh, Shri S. Abhinav, and Ms. B. Annapurna.

In his gratitude note, Dr. Vivek Modi wrote:

“National Science Day provided us an opportunity to channelize youth energy towards nation-building. When people from diverse backgrounds come together for a common cause, it strengthens our resolve to continue creating meaningful initiatives.”

Science as a Path to Nation-Building

Through the 2023 celebrations, Samskruti Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to building a culture of curiosity, ethics, and innovation.By combining scientific awareness with cultural consciousness, the Foundation continues to guide students toward becoming responsible, informed, and inspired citizens of tomorrow.

“Nation-building begins with character-building, and character is strengthened through the pursuit of knowledge.”