Pune, December 10 : Research is a process shaped through
years of dedication, struggle and sacrifice, and behind the easy availability
of various objects used in daily life lies a long history of efforts made by
researchers. While days like Children’s Day, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day and
Valentine’s Day are celebrated, there is a growing demand to honour researchers
who contribute significantly to improving the quality of life. Therefore,
December 10 should be declared as ‘National Researcher Day or Scientist Day’, a
request that has been submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This demand
has been made through a letter by RANCHO and DICCAI founder Raghunath Yemul
Guruji.
Since 2013, this initiative has been consistently pursued
with the aim of securing global recognition and respect for researchers. Guruji
Yemul stated that Nobel Prizes are awarded to researchers worldwide on December
10, and on this very day in 1930, Indian scientist Dr. C. V. Raman received the
Nobel Prize. Hence, the date has historical significance. As November 21 is
also observed as Dr. Raman’s death anniversary, it has been proposed that
either of these two dates be declared as “National Researcher and Scientist
Day.”
According to Guruji Yemul, researchers and innovators form
the foundation of India’s scientific progress. Celebrating Researcher
Day—similar to Teachers’ Day, Doctors’ Day and Engineers’ Day—would greatly
encourage science, research, innovation and young researchers. He emphasized
that researchers deserve national honours, awards and recognition, and such
initiatives would inspire India to move towards the goal of a Developed India
2047.
RANCHO’s initiative ‘Research India Research’ aims to
develop scientific curiosity and experimental thinking among school students.
Through scientific models, presentations and animations, students are motivated
towards research. The organization seeks to promote knowledge-sharing between
researchers and industry leaders. It has appealed to the public and the
government to recognize December 10 as ‘Researcher Day’ at the global level.
Under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, DICCAI celebrated
Researcher Day on December 10. Researchers who made notable contributions in
the field were felicitated during the event. Organizers mentioned that letters
requesting official recognition have been sent to the central and state
governments. Guruji Yemul stated that since researchers and scientists are
fundamental pillars of society, there is a strong need for a National
Researcher Day to honour their work.
The letter sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requests
that either November 21 or December 10 be officially declared as “Researchers
& Innovators Day.” Highlighting Dr. Raman’s contribution, the global
recognition of the Raman Effect and the crucial role of researchers, the letter
states that such a day would promote science, innovation, startup culture and
young researchers. The letter also mentions that honouring researchers is an
essential step for India’s progress.
The Young Researcher Sir C.V. Raman Award, presented by the Researchers and
Naturally Clever Human Organization (Rancho) and the Divyang Indian Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (DICCAI), was conferred upon researcher Vicky Modi and
scientist & Torchit founder Honey Bhagchandani. The award was presented by
social worker Dinesh K. Bhal, Rancho and DICCAI founder & chairman
Raghunath Yemul, and CEO Amit Agrawal. Organisers stated that both awardees
were selected for their significant contributions to the fields of disability
empowerment, research, innovation, and assistive technology.
