On March 3, 2025, the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Physics jointly organized an event to commemorate the contributions of Sir C.V. Raman, promote scientific thinking, and encourage the rejection of superstitions. This event was held in observance of National Science Day 2025, with the aim of reintroducing the applications of daily scientific concepts and their role in human survival in space.
To achieve this objective, the critically acclaimed movie The Martian was screened in the Institute’s Pasaydan Auditorium. The film, based on the survival of an astronaut left behind on Mars after a planetary storm, served as a compelling example of how scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills can help overcome extreme challenges.
The event commenced with an introductory speech by Mr. Ankosh Ramteke, Head of the Department of Mathematics. He highlighted the importance of National Science Day, the legacy of Sir C.V. Raman, and set the context for the movie by drawing connections between real-world scientific applications and space survival techniques depicted in the film.
Following this, Dr. Hemant Meshram, Head of the Department of Physics, addressed the audience on the prevalence of superstitious beliefs, particularly in rural areas, and emphasized the importance of scientific reasoning in everyday life. He encouraged students to question irrational practices and adopt a rational, evidence-based mindset. Additionally, he elaborated on the phenomenon of light scattering, known as the Raman Effect, which was discovered by Sir C.V. Raman, a Nobel Prize-winning Indian physicist.
After the screening of The Martian, an interactive session was conducted to gather oral feedback from students regarding the impact of the movie and the overall success of the event. The students responded enthusiastically, sharing their insights on how the film strengthened their appreciation for science and its real-world applications. Many expressed a strong interest in attending similar programs in the future, emphasizing the need for continued engagement with scientific concepts through interactive activities.
The event was a resounding success, fulfilling its objectives of honouring Sir C.V. Raman, promoting scientific temper, and inspiring students to think critically and embrace science as a tool for progress.