C V Raman
C. V. Raman was a pioneering Indian physicist best known for the discovery of the “Raman Effect”, which revolutionized the understanding of light scattering and earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, the first Asian to receive a Nobel in any branch of science.
Early Life and Education
Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, in southern India, to a family steeped in learning. His father was a lecturer in mathematics and physics and his mother came from a scholarly background. Raman’s brilliance became apparent early: he completed his secondary education by age 13, graduated in physics from Presidency College, Madras at 16, and earned his master’s degree at 18, consistently topping his class and winning gold medals for his academic achievements.
Academic Career and Transformative Research
After briefly serving as an assistant accountant general in the Indian Finance Department, Raman’s passion for science led him to conduct research at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) in Kolkata, working late into the evenings after his day job. His early research focused on the theory of vibrations and acoustics, producing numerous papers in international journals. In 1917, Raman was appointed as the first Palit Professor of Physics at the University of Calcutta, allowing him to commit fully to scientific research.
Discovery of the Raman Effect
Raman’s curiosity about the color of the sea led him to investigate light scattering, culminating in his greatest achievement - the discovery of what is now called the “Raman Effect”. In 1928, he and his student K. S. Krishnan demonstrated that when monochromatic light passes through a transparent medium, some of the scattered light has a different wavelength from the incident light, revealing molecular and atomic structures. This breakthrough was announced to the scientific world as “molecular diffraction of light”, and within two years, he received the Nobel Prize, marking a turning point for Indian science on the global stage.
Later Life, Legacy, and Institution Building
Raman’s contributions extended far beyond his Nobel-winning discovery. He became the director of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore in 1933 and later founded the Raman Research Institute in 1948, where he continued pioneering studies in optics, acoustics, and crystal physics. A strong proponent of independent scientific research, Raman established institutions such as the Indian Academy of Sciences and the Indian Journal of Physics to foster scientific talent in India.
He was knighted in 1929 and awarded India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 1954. Remembered for his passionate lectures, inspiring mentorship, and enduring curiosity, Raman’s legacy is celebrated in India with National Science Day on February 28, the date of his historic discovery.
Impact and Recognition
Raman’s work had profound implications for physics, chemistry, and biology, affecting everything from spectroscopy to medical diagnostics. His meticulous and hands-on approach to experimentation set a benchmark for Indian scientists. Renowned for his clarity, wit, and insistence on integrity in science, he inspired generations to explore and contribute to global knowledge.
C. V. Raman passed away on November 21, 1970, leaving behind a world-class scientific heritage and an example of relentless pursuit of truth and excellence that continues to inspire future generations.
