National Science Day is celebrated in India on 28^th February of each year to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by Prof. C.V.Raman in 1928. Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT) celebrates National Science Day by holding an open house for school students, teachers and general public. Over the years this has proved to be an event in great demand therefore this year the celebrations lasted for two days : on Feb 28, 2015 school students from in and around Indore were invited for a full day visit and the next day, that is on March 1, 2015 family members and guests of RRCAT employees and invitees from general public visited RRCAT. The staff members of RRCAT had prepared a number of exhibits at 15 different laboratories to explain the scientific and technical activities of the centre and to demonstrate a few concepts in basic sciences. On the first day about 1800 students and teachers of 128 schools and colleges from Indore and from other places in Madhya Pradesh came to visit the scientific facilities in RRCAT. As the number was very large the students were divided in two batches. For both batches the program started with an address by Dr.P.D. Gupta, Director, RRCAT. He spoke in both Hindi and English. Dr. Gupta first recalled 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 explained several complex aspects of science and technology lucidly and in an easy to understand manner by giving day to day life examples. Dr. Gupta also described the growth of Indian Science in the last few decades and the contribution of the Department of Atomic Energy in the enhancement of Science and Technology capabilities of our country. 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 stimulating effect on the students and teachers. After his address all the students were taken to different laboratories in organized groups under the guidance of RRCAT staff. The students and teachers were greatly enthused by the interesting exhibits. Snacks and lunch were served to the students and accompanying teachers.

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As part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of DAE, a “prashna manch” was organized for the students who visited RRCAT on Science Day. The aim of the activity was to allow them an opportunity of free discussion with working scientists. Several RRCAT scientists were available to interact with the students who were also encouraged to ask questions. The discussions ranged from questions arising out of the exhibits set up at RRCAT for Science Day to basic scientific concepts. The event also encouraged the accompanying teachers to discuss their problems in teaching particular concepts. Participation prizes were awarded to students.

Another event of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations was a visit by two groups of members of public on March 1. One group of 133 people was from the well-known Rotary Club of Indore and included professionals from different fields and local entrepreneurs among others. A poster exhibitions had been setup for them to make them familiar with the work carried out by RRCAT and they also visited some of the exhibits. 35 members of Jain Social Group were also invited for a visit and were shown over the exhibits as well as the Nisargaruna bio-gas plant in the campus. Both groups were very keen to know more about RRCAT and at the end of the visit expressed their appreciation of the manner in which the visit was organized and the efforts made by RRCAT staff in explaining the work carried out in the center in simple terms and its societal impact. They all expressed their pride in having such a high-level R&D centre in their city.