Dr. C. V. Raman, the first Indian to win a Nobel Prize in Physics:
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Dr. Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (C. V. Raman)
Born: November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
Died: November 21, 1970, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Early Life
C. V. Raman was born into a Tamil Brahmin family. His father, Chandrasekhara Iyer, was a lecturer in mathematics and physics, which greatly influenced young Raman. He was a bright student from an early age, excelling in academics and showing a keen interest in science and music.
At the age of 11, Raman completed his matriculation and went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Presidency College, Chennai, at just 16 years old.
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Education
Bachelor’s Degree (1904): Secured the first rank and won a gold medal in Physics.
Master’s Degree (1907): Completed his M.A. in Physics from Presidency College with distinction.
Despite limited research facilities in colonial India, Raman pursued scientific experiments with unwavering passion.
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Career and Research
Raman initially joined the Indian Finance Service in Kolkata in 1907 but continued his research during his spare time. His research on acoustics and optics laid the foundation for his later discoveries.
Discovery of the Raman Effect
In 1928, while studying the scattering of light, Raman discovered that when light passes through a transparent medium, a small fraction of the scattered light changes its wavelength. This phenomenon, now known as the Raman Effect, demonstrated the quantum nature of light and its interaction with matter.
Significance: This discovery proved groundbreaking for understanding molecular structures and laid the foundation for Raman spectroscopy, widely used in physics, chemistry, and biology.
Recognition
In 1930, C. V. Raman became the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of the Raman Effect.
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Academic Contributions
Served as the Palit Professor of Physics at the University of Calcutta (1917–1933).
Founded the Indian Journal of Physics to publish scientific research in India.
Established the Raman Research Institute in Bangalore in 1948, dedicated to advanced research in physics.
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Other Contributions
Conducted pioneering studies in acoustics, explaining the physics of Indian musical instruments like the tabla, mridangam, and veena.
Worked extensively on the diffraction of light, crystal dynamics, and the nature of diamonds.
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Awards and Honors
1. Nobel Prize in Physics (1930).
2. Bharat Ratna (1954) – India’s highest civilian honor.
3. Knight Bachelor (1929) – Conferred by the British Government (later renounced).
4. Numerous honorary doctorates and fellowships from international scientific societies.
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Legacy
National Science Day: February 28, the day Raman announced his discovery of the Raman Effect, is celebrated annually in India as National Science Day.
Raman Spectroscopy: His discovery remains a vital tool in scientific research.
Mentored a generation of Indian scientists, emphasizing self-reliance in research.
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Death and Philosophy
Dr. C. V. Raman passed away on November 21, 1970, at the age of 82. Even in his later years, he continued his research and delivered lectures, inspiring students and scientists alike.
Philosophy: Raman believed in the power of curiosity and hard work. He often said:
"The essence of science lies in independent thinking and hard work, not in the abundance of equipment."