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Born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, CV Raman displayed exceptional academic brilliance from a young age.
CV Raman is a Nobel Prize as well as a Bharat Ratna award winner. (File Photo)
Chandrasekhar Venkata Raman, commonly known as CV Raman, was an eminent Indian physicist who made remarkable pioneering contributions to the study of light scattering. The birth anniversary of the scientist who inspired many generations is celebrated on November 7.
CV Raman: Early Life
CV Raman was born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. He displayed exceptional academic brilliance from a very young age, completing his matriculation at the mere age of 11 and earning a scholarship for higher studies, which he completed by the age of 13.
During his formative years as a student, he excelled in physics and mathematics, influenced by his father, who was a teacher. This foundation led him to study physics at the University of Madras.
CV Raman: Career
Soon after completing his education, CV Raman joined the Indian Finance Service but remained associated with scientific research. His passion for physics led him to become a professor at the University of Calcutta.
Raman’s significant research began during his travels to European countries, where he became fascinated by the scattering of light. This curiosity resulted in what is now known as the Raman Effect, discovered in 1928, which explains how light interacts with molecular vibrations. This discovery earned him international fame and laid the groundwork for several applications in spectroscopy.
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CV Raman: Achievements
CV Raman’s contributions to physics, particularly his discovery of the Raman Effect, earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. He was also awarded India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, and served as independent India’s first National Professor.
Raman was also the founder of the Indian Journal of Physics. He started the journal in 1926. His work has impacted not only physics but also other fields such as chemistry and materials science. Raman founded the Indian Academy of Sciences in 1933, the same year he joined the Indian Institute of Science as the director. He also established the Raman Research Institute in 1948.
The date of his discovery is commemorated in India every year on February 28 as National Science Day.
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CV Raman’s Inspiring quotes
- “I am the master of my failure. If I never fail, how will I ever learn?”
- “Ask the right questions, and nature will open the doors to her secrets.”
- “Success can come to you by courageous devotion to the task lying in front of you.”
- “The essence of science is independent thinking, hard work, and not equipment.”
- “True knowledge is gained not through rote learning, but through curiosity and the desire to explore.”