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Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, Southern India, had the privilege of growing up in an academically enriched environment, thanks to his father’s role as a mathematics and physics lecturer. His remarkable contributions to the world of science have left an indelible mark on India and the global scientific community.
Dr. Raman’s groundbreaking discovery of the Raman Effect earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics, a well-deserved recognition of his pioneering research. To honor his enduring legacy, National Science Day is celebrated every year on February 28th. This day serves as a tribute to the extraordinary accomplishments of Dr. C.V. Raman, a true luminary in the world of science.
Dr. Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (C.V. Raman): Early Life
Dr. C.V. Raman, born on November 7, 1888, into a South Indian Brahmin family in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, was a remarkable scientist whose brilliance shone from a young age. At just 11, he successfully passed his matriculation, and by the age of 13, he had completed his 12th class on a scholarship. His journey continued at Presidency College, where he not only graduated in 1904 but also stood out as the sole student to achieve a first division.
Pursuing his passion for physics, Raman earned his Master’s degree from the same college, consistently surpassing previous academic records. In 1907, he embarked on a new chapter in his life, marrying Lokasundari Ammal, and together, they had two sons, Chandrasekhar and Radhakrishnan. Dr. C.V. Raman’s early life set the stage for a brilliant scientific career that would ultimately lead to groundbreaking discoveries and worldwide recognition.
C V Raman Career
Dr. Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, commonly known as C.V. Raman had a remarkable career that began with an unexpected twist. Initially, his path appeared to be leading him towards a financial career when he topped the Financial Civil Services (FCS) examination. In 1907, he started working as an Assistant Accountant General in Kolkata. However, his true passion lay in the world of science.
Despite the demands of his job, Raman found a way to pursue his scientific interests. During his spare time, he would make his way to the laboratory at the Indian Association for Cultivation of Sciences. Even after a long and demanding workday, his fascination with science drove him to conduct research at night. This unwavering dedication highlighted his commitment to the world of scientific exploration.
Raman’s early research work faced limitations due to the scarce resources in the laboratory. Nevertheless, he persevered and managed to publish his findings in prestigious international journals such as ‘Nature,’ ‘The Philosophical Magazine,’ and ‘Physics Review.’ During this phase of his career, Raman’s research primarily revolved around the fields of vibrations and acoustics.
In 1917, Raman seized a new opportunity that would shape his career. He joined the University of Calcutta as the first Palit Professor of Physics. Over the next 15 years, he made significant contributions to the field of physics. Later, in 1933, he became a Professor at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, where he continued his research and academic pursuits until 1948. It was in 1948 that Raman established the Raman Institute of Research in Bangalore, serving as its Director.
C.V. Raman’s journey from financial services to scientific acclaim is a testament to his unwavering passion for science and his dedication to advancing our understanding of the natural world. His legacy endures as an inspiration for aspiring scientists worldwide.
C V Raman Work
Introduction to C. V. Raman’s Contributions
Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, widely known as C. V. Raman, was an eminent Indian physicist whose groundbreaking contributions to the world of science left an indelible mark. Born in 1888, he made significant strides in various fields, earning him a distinguished place in the annals of scientific history. His illustrious career was marked by numerous achievements, with one of the most remarkable being the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect‘ in 1928.
The Raman Effect and Nobel Prize
V. Raman’s most renowned work was the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect.’ This phenomenon, also known as Raman scattering, revealed that when light passes through a transparent material, a fraction of the scattered light undergoes a change in its wavelength. This revelation, made in 1928, led to Raman being awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, a historic achievement that made him the first Indian to receive this prestigious honor.
Multifaceted Scientific Interests
Raman’s scientific interests were diverse and expansive. In addition to the Raman Effect, he delved into various areas of research. He explored the diffraction of light by acoustic waves of ultrasonic and hypersonic frequencies and investigated the effects produced by X-rays on infrared vibrations in crystals exposed to ordinary light. His laboratory also conducted in-depth studies on the structure and properties of diamonds and the optical behavior of iridescent substances such as pearls and agate.
Academic and Editorial Pursuits
Beyond his groundbreaking research, Raman played a pivotal role in the academic and editorial realms. He established the Indian Journal of Physics in 1926 and served as its Editor. Raman also sponsored the establishment of the Indian Academy of Sciences, where he assumed the role of President. His dedication to the scientific community extended to the presidency of the Current Science Association in Bangalore, which published the renowned ‘Current Science journal’.
Honours and Recognition
Raman’s contributions to science were duly recognized by the scientific community. He received numerous honorary doctorates and became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1924. Notably, he was knighted in 1929, a testament to his remarkable impact on the field of physics. His work remains an inspiration to scientists worldwide, and his legacy continues to thrive through the research inspired by the Raman Effect and his contributions to various scientific disciplines.
C V Raman Awards
- Early Career Achievements: Dr. C.V. Raman was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1924 and knighted in 1929, showcasing his remarkable early career accomplishments.
- Nobel Prize Winner: He achieved global recognition by winning the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, making him the first Indian to receive this prestigious honor.
- Franklin Medal Recipient: In 1941, Dr. Raman was awarded the Franklin Medal, a significant recognition of his scientific contributions.
- Bharat Ratna Awardee: In 1954, he received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in honour of his outstanding contributions to science.
- Lenin Peace Prize: Dr. Raman’s dedication to peace and science was acknowledged with the Lenin Peace Prize in 1957.
- International Recognition: His discovery, the Raman Effect, was acknowledged as an International Historic Chemical Landmark by the American Chemical Society and the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science in 1998.
- National Science Day: National Science Day is observed in India on the 28th of February annually in honor of Dr. Raman’s revolutionary discovery of the Raman Effect in 1928.
- Lasting Legacy: Dr. C.V. Raman’s passion for science and dedication to research made him a legendary figure in the fields of physics and science. He is celebrated as a great Scientist, Physicist, and Nobel laureate.
- Inspiration to Pursue Dreams: His life story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, one can achieve their goals, regardless of obstacles.
- Final Moments: Dr. Raman passed away on 21st November 1970, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of science.
Conclusion
Dr. C.V. Raman was an incredible scientist from India who made groundbreaking discoveries in the world of physics. His most famous discovery, the Raman Effect, earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. He was a dedicated researcher and his contributions to science were widely recognized. Raman’s work has inspired many and is celebrated every year on National Science Day in India. His life story teaches us that with hard work and determination, we can achieve our dreams, no matter the obstacles. Dr. Raman’s legacy lives on, and he is remembered as a great scientist and physicist who made a lasting impact on the world of science.
FAQs on CV Raman
Who was C.V. Raman, and what were his significant contributions to science?
Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, commonly known as C.V. Raman was an eminent Indian physicist. His most significant contribution was the discovery of the Raman Effect in 1928, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. This discovery revealed how light scatters when passing through a transparent material, changing its wavelength
What is the Raman Effect, and why is it important?
The Raman Effect, also known as Raman scattering, is a phenomenon in which a fraction of scattered light changes its wavelength when it passes through a transparent material. It is essential because it provided a new way to study the molecular structure and interactions within matter, revolutionising the field of spectroscopy.
When and where was C.V. Raman born?
C.V. Raman was born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, Southern India.
What was C.V. Raman's early achievements in education and career?
At a young age, Raman showed exceptional academic prowess. He passed his matriculation at age 11 and completed his 12th class on a scholarship by age 13. He graduated from Presidency College, earning the sole first division. He initially worked in financial services but pursued his passion for science and eventually became a professor at the University of Calcutta
What awards and honours did C.V. Raman received during his career?
C.V. Raman received several prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, the Franklin Medal in 1941, and the Bharat Ratna (India's highest civilian award) in 1954. He was also recognized with the Lenin Peace Prize in 1957.
