By Nikunja BIhari Sahu
National Science Day (NSD) marks the ground-breaking discovery of the Raman Effect by eminent physicist Sir C.V. Raman on February 28, 1928 and his subsequent felicitation with the Nobel Prize as the first Asian in Physics. Celebrating the day in India is not just remembering Raman and his landmark discovery, but cherishing development and prosperity for a country of 1.4 billion driven by the powers of science. The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Sustainable Science for a Better Future’ appears to be justified. At a time when global technological advancements like AI and quantum computing are poised to revolutionize our life, the NSD theme highlights the role of science in providing permanent solutions to global challenges such as climate change, healthcare, clean energy, and inclusive growth in alignment with United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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Rapid industrialization, uncontrolled population growth, climate change, environmental pollution and depletion of natural resources have created complex challenges that threaten to bridge the gap between development and environment. In this context, sustainable science is the only option left to save mankind through its methods of advancing human wellbeing while safeguarding the planet for future generations.
One of the most impactful contributions of sustainable science would be in the field of renewable energy as our stock of conventional sources, the fossil fuel-based means, are almost nearing depletion and also are highly emission prone. Research in solar, wind, and biofuels must be geared up for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and lowering our carbon footprints. Energy-efficient technologies, smart grids and clean storage systems must be explored for helping our energy-hungry society transform towards a low-carbon economy.
Sustainable science also plays a key role in ensuring food security while protecting the key life-supporting components of nature like soil, water and biodiversity. Scientific innovations of developing climate-resilient high-yielding crops, organic farming practices and new breeds of livestock would help farmers increase their productivity without degrading ecologies.
Fresh water scarcity has been a global concern since the dawn of civilization. Rivers, the lifeline of human civilization and the source of most freshwater needs for communities for ages, are either polluted or have gone dry. Sustainable science would come to our rescue by its contribution through water purification technologies, desalination plant processes, rainwater harvesting systems, wastewater recycling methods and efficient irrigation techniques. These solutions would ensure equitable access to clean water for all while conserving this precious resource for future.
As human health is deeply connected to environmental wellbeing, methods of sustainable science would be required to promote clean air, safer materials and reduced exposure to pollutants. Ground-breaking research in green chemistry, safe and affordable pharmaceuticals and environmentally friendly medical practices is required for addressing the health issues of the communities without straining ecology.
For sustainable science to truly shape a better future, innovation must be incorporated into every field of our R&D sector. Besides, encouraging young minds to pursue sustainability-focused education in science would foster a generation of responsible scientists, engineers and policymakers to deliver the boons of science to society.
By choosing a theme of sustainable science for National Science Day, India has asserted the role of science in realizing rapid economic and societal growth.
The writer is Science Officer, Regional Science Centre, Bhubaneswar.
