National Science Day Celebrated at CSIR–CGCRI, Kolkata

CSIR-Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute (CSIR-CGCRI) in Kolkata observed National Science Day on March 5, 2026, at the M. N. Saha Auditorium, commemorating the discovery of the Raman Effect by the eminent Indian physicist C. V. Raman on February 28, 1928. The discovery marked a landmark moment in the history of Indian science.

The celebration began with a Science Quiz organized by the AcSIR-CGCRI Science Club to encourage scientific curiosity among students. Bikramjit Basu, Director of CSIR-CGCRI, welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of National Science Day in promoting scientific awareness. He also introduced the Chief Guest, Sumantra Chattarji.

The highlight of the programme was the National Science Day Lecture delivered by Prof. Chattarji, Director of the Centre for High Impact Neuroscience and Translational Applications (CHINTA) at TCG CREST. In his lecture titled “Stress, Memory and the Brain,” he explained how chronic stress affects brain circuits related to learning and memory. Drawing from his research on the amygdala–hippocampus network, he highlighted its implications for understanding anxiety, emotional responses, and cognitive resilience.

Distinguished scientists and researchers from various institutes attended the programme. Nearly 80 school students also participated as part of the CSIR-Jigyasa Programme, an initiative aimed at fostering scientific temperament among young learners.

The event concluded with a brief closing ceremony where the winners of the science quiz were awarded prizes, followed by the National Anthem, marking a successful and inspiring celebration dedicated to the spirit of scientific discovery and learning.