National Science Day is celebrated every year on the last Saturday of the month of February at Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore. This year it was celebrated on 25 February, 2012. More than 1640 students and teachers of 113 schools and colleges from Indore and some from far away places came to visit the scientific facilities in RRCAT. Shri H.S. Vora, Convener, NSD, 2011 welcomed the students and teachers. The programme started at 9.00 hrs. with an address by Dr. P.D. Gupta, Director, RRCAT. Dr. Gupta informed that the National Science Day is celebrated to commemorate the path-breaking discovery of Raman Effect which led to the winning of Nobel Prize by Prof. C.V. Raman. Dr. Gupta brought out several inspirational aspects of Prof. Raman’s personality and life-style besides his scientific contributions. He also gave an overview of Laser and Accelerator activities at RRCAT and explained several applications. His simple and easy to understand explanations had a simulating effect on all the students and teachers. He also indicated on the educational institutions and prospects for students who may like to make a career in scientific research. Shri Sanjay Chouksey, Co-Convener, NSD, 2012 presented vote of thanks.

Students were taken to different laboratories in organized groups under the guidance of volunteers from RRCAT. The students and teachers were greatly enthused by the interesting exhibits. The staff members of RRCAT had prepared about 80 exhibits/posters/presentations which were kept in 14 buildings to explain the scientific and technical activities of the Centre. Students visited Synchrotron Radiation Sources (SRS) Indus-1 and Indus-2, laser laboratories, cryogenic laboratory, workshop, magnet laboratory, fire safety, industrial accelerator lab and other interesting laboratories. Snacks and lunch were served to all the students and accompanying faculties from various schools and colleges. Scientific queries of the students were addressed by the seniour scientist of the center at lunch venue.

In the afternoon, families and friends of RRCAT officials visited the laboratories and witnessed exhibits.