Trailblazer in science of light
Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, popularly known as CV Raman, was a distinguished Indian physicist and Nobel laureate renowned for his groundbreaking work in the field of light scattering. Born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, Raman’s early life was steeped in academic excellence. His father, a lecturer in mathematics and physics, fostered an environment that encouraged scientific curiosity. Raman excelled academically, completing his matriculation at age 11 and earning a degree in physics by age 16 from Presidency College in Madras (now Chennai).
In 1907, he joined the Indian Finance Service in Calcutta (now Kolkata) as an Assistant Accountant General, a position that provided him financial stability but limited opportunities for scientific research. However, his passion for physics led him to conduct experiments in his spare time at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), a modest but active research facility. This institution became instrumental in Raman’s scientific journey, as he spent countless hours exploring optics, acoustics, and other branches of physics.
Raman’s curiosity about the physical world was inspired by everyday phenomena. During a sea voyage in 1921, he was captivated by the colour of the Mediterranean Sea. Questioning the prevalent theories attributing the sea’s colour to sky reflections, Raman began a series of experiments on light scattering. This research laid the groundwork for his most significant discovery, the Raman Effect.
On February 28, 1928, Raman and his colleague KS Krishnan observed that when light passed through a transparent material, a small portion of the scattered light experienced a change in wavelength. This phenomenon, now known as the Raman Effect, provided direct evidence of the quantum nature of light and its interaction with matter. The discovery was revolutionary, opening new avenues for research in molecular and material sciences and forming the foundation for Raman spectroscopy, a technique widely used in chemistry, biology, and physics to analyse molecular compositions.
For his pioneering work, Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, becoming the first Asian and non-white scientist to receive this honour. His Nobel Prize marked a significant moment in the history of Indian science, inspiring generations of Indian researchers and establishing India as a contributor to global scientific advancement.
After the Nobel, Raman continued to research and mentor future scientists. He served as the Director of the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore (now Bengaluru), where he transformed the institution into a leading research centre. In 1948, he founded the Raman Research Institute, where he worked until his death. His interests extended beyond physics; he investigated the structure of crystals, musical instruments, and the science behind human perception of colour.
Raman’s dedication and lifelong contributions to science were recognised by numerous awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 1954. February 28, the day of his discovery of the Raman Effect, is celebrated as National Science Day in India, reflecting his lasting legacy.
CV Raman passed away on November 21, 1970, leaving behind a legacy of scientific curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to advancing knowledge in India and worldwide. His work continues to influence scientific research, and he remains a symbol of India’s potential in science and technology.
