C. V. Raman

Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, commonly known as C. V. Raman, was born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, India. He was a prominent physicist known for his groundbreaking work in the field of light scattering. Raman's interest in science was evident from a young age, leading him to pursue a career in physics, where he would become one of the most celebrated scientists of his time.

C. V. Raman received his Master of Science degree in January 1910 from the University of Madras, where he had studied physics and showed exceptional promise as a researcher. This educational achievement marked the beginning of Raman's journey into scientific research where he would later make groundbreaking contributions to the field of physics.

C. V. Raman was appointed as the Palit Professor of Physics at the University of Calcutta in June 1917. This position allowed him to continue his research in the field of light scattering and gave him the freedom to explore various aspects of physics. His time at the University of Calcutta was highly productive and set the stage for his discovery of the Raman Effect a decade later.

In 1919, C. V. Raman was elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society, one of the highest honors a scientist can receive. This recognition was a testament to his outstanding contributions to the field of physics, particularly in the study of molecular diffraction of light. His membership in the Royal Society brought his work to an even wider international audience.

In November 1919, C. V. Raman conducted pioneering experiments on the scattering of light, which laid the groundwork for what would eventually be known as the Raman Effect. These experiments involved the study of the molecular diffraction of light and were conducted during his professorship at the University of Calcutta. His work in this area was crucial to the understanding and discovery that followed.

On February 28, 1928, C. V. Raman discovered the Raman Effect, which is a change in the wavelength of light that occurs when a light beam is deflected by molecules. This discovery is considered a fundamental scientific achievement because it gave scientists a deeper understanding of molecular and crystal structures. Raman's work on light scattering earned him widespread recognition in the scientific community.

C. V. Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics on December 10, 1930, for his work on the scattering of light and for the discovery of the Raman Effect. This was a landmark moment in the history of Indian science, as Raman was the first Asian and non-white to receive a Nobel Prize in the sciences. His achievement brought international acclaim to Indian scientific research.

In 1934, C. V. Raman joined the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore as its first Indian director. He played a significant role in transforming the institute into India's leading center for scientific research and education. Under his leadership, the institute flourished and solidified its reputation as a top-tier research institution worldwide.

After retiring from the Indian Institute of Science, C. V. Raman founded the Raman Research Institute in Bangalore, India, in 1948. The institute was established to focus on various areas of physics research. Under Raman's leadership, the institute became a leading research center, contributing significantly to the field of theoretical and experimental physics.

On January 26, 1954, C. V. Raman was awarded the Bharat Ratna, which is India's highest civilian award, recognizing his exceptional service to the advancement of science and engineering. Raman's contributions to the scientific community in India and the world were honored with this prestigious award, reflecting his status as one of the greatest scientists in Indian history.

March 1st is celebrated as 'National Science Day' in India to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by C. V. Raman in 1928. The day is marked by various science events, exhibitions, and lectures. It serves as a platform to highlight the importance of scientific research and encourage the younger generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Sir C. V. Raman passed away on November 21, 1970, in Bangalore, India. His death marked the end of a remarkable era in the field of physics, as he had been a towering figure in scientific research and education. Raman's legacy continues to inspire countless scientists around the world, and his contributions to physics remain foundational in the study of light and optics.