A series of science popularisation activities has been lined up in Sri Vijaya Puram to mark National Science Day, observed annually on February 28 in memory of the discovery of the Raman Effect by Sir C V Raman. The programme will be preceded by a week-long schedule of competitions and outreach activities aimed at fostering scientific awareness among students, officials said.
The Science Week will commence from February 22, 2026, and culminate with National Science Day celebrations on February 28. Multiple competitions targeting different age groups have been planned, combining both offline and online formats to encourage wider participation. The initiatives are being organised by the Department of Science & Technology and the Science Centre Sri Vijaya Puram as part of efforts to promote interest in science and technology among students.
As part of the programme, a painting competition for college-level students will be held on February 25 at the Science & Technology Bhawan, Dollygunj. The theme for the competition is “Science for a Sustainable Future”. Interested participants may register in advance or report directly at the venue before 9 am on the day of the event. While drawing sheets will be provided by the department, students have been instructed to bring their own drawing materials. Winners will receive certificates and prizes.
For school students, the Science Centre will host a range of competitions beginning on February 22. On the opening day, a painting competition will be conducted for junior and senior groups, with students from Classes I to V competing in the junior category and those from Classes VI to VIII in the senior category. The theme for this competition is “Science & Technology for Sustainable Future”. The event will be held at the Science Centre from 10 am to 12.30 pm, and participants are required to report with painting materials, excluding chart paper.
Online competitions have also been scheduled to ensure broader participation. On February 24, primary-level students from Classes I to V can take part in a “Show Your Talent” competition by submitting self-made videos of up to two minutes. The competition allows students to showcase talents such as playing musical instruments, poetry, mimicry, or other unique skills. On the same day, a storytelling competition on the life history of Sir C V Raman will be held for the same age group, also in online mode, with participants required to submit short video narrations.
Another online event, an extempore speech competition for students of Classes VI to VIII, has been scheduled for February 25. The topic for this competition is “Importance of National Science Day”, and participants are required to submit a self-made video of not more than two minutes. For all online competitions, students must upload their entries along with mandatory details such as name, class, school, and contact number within the stipulated deadlines.
Officials said the competitions are intended not only to mark National Science Day but also to encourage creativity, communication skills, and scientific thinking among students. Participants have been advised to adhere strictly to the schedules and submission guidelines to ensure their entries are considered.
Based on performance across the competitions, prizes will be awarded to first, second, third, and consolation winners. The awards will be presented during the National Science Day समारोह to be held on February 28 at the Science Centre, Sri Vijaya Puram.
The organisers said the structured schedule of Science Week activities reflects an effort to make science engagement more accessible and interactive for students, linking creativity and expression with scientific awareness in the lead-up to the national observance.
