Sir C V Raman
Every year on November 7, India celebrates the birth anniversary of Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, widely known as C.V. Raman, one of the country’s most distinguished physicists. Born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, to Chandrasakhara Iyer and Parvathi Ammal, C.V. Raman’s contributions to science, particularly in the field of physics, have earned him a place among the world’s greatest scientific minds. His discovery of the Raman Effect, which describes the change in wavelength of light that occurs when molecules deflect it, won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930—the first Asian to receive this honour in Science.
Raman’s journey in science began at a young age. Coming from a family that valued education, he was an exceptional student with a keen interest in science and mathematics. His father was a teacher, which fostered an environment of learning and curiosity. Raman, a child prodigy, completed his matriculation at 11 and earned a gold medal in physics during his bachelor’s degree at Presidency College, Madras. He completing his MA in physics in 1907. Despite his achievements, Raman’s path to scientific success was not without struggles.
In early 20th-century India, opportunities in scientific research were limited, and funding was scarce. Raman scored in first Rank in ICS and later joined the Indian Finance Service in Calcutta (Kolkata) as an Assistant Accountant General. Despite the demands of his job, Raman’s passion for science was unwavering. He conducted research at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) during his spare time, often working late into the night. His determination paid off, as his work on acoustics and optics began to gain attention in the scientific community.
In 1917, Raman was offered a professorship at the University of Calcutta, allowing him to leave his government job and focus on scientific research. This transition marked a pivotal point in his career, leading to groundbreaking discoveries in the field of light scattering. Raman’s work was innovative and daring, as he ventured into areas of physics that were largely unexplored.
In 1928, while studying the scattering of light, Raman made a discovery that would change the course of physics—the Raman Effect. This phenomenon revealed that when light passes through a transparent material, a small fraction of the light emerges in a different direction with a different wavelength. This discovery provided new insights into molecular and atomic structure, laying the foundation for advancements in various scientific fields. In 1930, Raman became the first Indian to win the Nobel Prize in Physics, bringing immense pride to generations of Indian scientists and laying the groundwork for India’s scientific research institutions.
CV Raman’s life is a testament to curiosity, dedication, and the transformative power of scientific inquiry. From his early fascination with light and sound to the groundbreaking discovery of the Raman Effect, he consistently pushed the boundaries of knowledge and inspired generations of scientists. His contributions extended beyond individual research; through his leadership at institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science, the founding of the Indian Academy of Sciences, and the Raman Research Institute, he helped establish a strong research culture in India.
The impact of his work continues to resonate globally. Raman spectroscopy, derived from his discovery, is an indispensable tool in chemistry, biology, material science, and medicine, influencing research and practical daily life applications. In India, his legacy is celebrated annually on National Science Day, inspiring students to embrace scientific curiosity and innovation.
Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman died, aged 82, of heart disease on November 21, 1970, in Bangalore, India.
Recognition and Awards :
- Nobel Prize in Physics (1930): In 1930, C.V. Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his research on light scattering, which led to the development of the Raman Effect. The Nobel Committee acknowledged his exceptional contribution to understanding molecular interactions with light.
- Fellow of the Royal Society (1924): In 1924, the scientific community elected Raman as a Fellow, acknowledging his significant contributions to experimental physics.
- Knighthood (1929): He was knighted in 1929, becoming Sir C.V. Raman, in honor of his outstanding achievements in physics and his service to science.
- Bharat Ratna (1954): V. Raman was bestowed with India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 1954 for his unparalleled scientific contributions.
- Lenin Peace Prize (1958): In 1958, Raman received the International Lenin Peace Prize for promoting international peace and collaboration through scientific research.
- Fellowship of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (1928): In 1928, the scientific world highlighted Raman’s status by selecting him as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
- Franklin Institute Medal (1941): He received the Franklin Institute Medal in Physics in 1941, adding to the prestigious honors acknowledging his scientific achievements.
Some Inspiring C V Raman Quotes
“I am the master of my failure. If I never fail, how will I ever learn?”
“It was poverty and the poor laboratories that gave me the determination to do the very best I could.”
“You can’t always choose who comes into your life, but you can learn what lesson they teach.”
“Ask the right questions, and nature will open the door to her secrets.”
“Success can come to you by courageous devotion to the task lying in front of you.”
“If someone judges you, they are wasting space in their mind. Best part, it’s their problem.”
“The essence of the scientific spirit is to realise what a wonderful world it is that we live in.”
“The true wealth of a nation consists not in the stored-up gold but in the intellectual and physical strength of its people.”
“It is not that idealism of student days finds adequate opportunity for expression in the later life of manhood.”
10 “The essence of Science is independent thinking, hard work, and not equipment. When I got my Nobel Prize, I had spent hardly 200 rupees on my equipment.”
CV Raman Quotes on Science
1. The essence of science is independent thinking, hard work, and not equipment. When I got my Nobel Prize, I had spent hardly 200 rupees on my equipment.
2. The whole edifice of modern physics is built up on the fundamental hypothesis of the atomic or molecular constitution of matter.
3. I feel it is unnatural and immoral to try to teach science to children in a foreign language. They will know facts, but they will miss the spirit.
4. I strongly believe that fundamental science cannot be driven by instructional, industrial, government or military pressures.
5. The essence of the scientific spirit is to realise what a wonderful world it is that we live in.
6. The three-pronged approach of curiosity, imagination, and persistence is the key to scientific discovery.
7. The beauty of science lies in its ability to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
8. It is not enough to see beauty; one must also understand the scientific principles behind it.
9. Science is a source of endless possibilities; it all depends on our willingness to explore and experiment.
10. The best scientists are those who believe in the potential of their ideas, even when the world doubts them.
11. We must teach science in the mother tongue. Otherwise, science will become a highbrow activity.
12. In the history of science, we often find that the study of some natural phenomenon has been the starting point in the development of a new branch of knowledge.
13. I feel it is unnatural and immoral to try to teach science to children in a foreign language. They will know facts, but they will miss the spirit.
14. Science is a continuous journey; there is always something new and exciting to discover.
15. The essence of science is curiosity, the desire to understand the world around us.
16. Science is the key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe, one question at a time.
CV Raman Quotes on Education
CV Raman established and supported the Indian Institute of Science. He also served as a professor at the University. His quotes are inspiring the young scientists to discover something unique and contribute to the field of science.
1. I am the master of my failure. If I never fail, how will I ever learn?
2. I would like to tell the young men and women before me not to lose hope and courage. Success can only come to you by courageous devotion to the task lying in front of you.
3. You can’t always choose who comes into your life, but you can learn what lesson they teach you Success can come to you by courageous Devotion to the task lying in front of you.
4. If someone judges you, they are wasting space in their mind. The best part is it’s their problem.
5. It was poverty and the poor laboratories that gave me the determination to do the very best I could.
6. Ask the right questions, and nature will open the door to her secrets.
7. The true wealth of a nation consists not in the stored-up gold but in the intellectual and physical strength of its people.
8. It is not that the idealism of student days finds adequate opportunity for expression in the later life of manhood.
9. True knowledge is gained not through rote learning, but through curiosity and the desire to explore.
10. Science should not be confined to the four walls of a laboratory, but should seep into all aspects of our lives.
CV Raman Quotes for Students
1. Ask the right questions, and nature will open the doors to her secrets.
2. There is no Heaven, no Swarga, no Hell, no rebirth, no reincarnation and no immortality. The only true thing is that a man is born, he lives and he dies. Therefore, he should live his life properly.
3. Science is a language that transcends boundaries; it is a universal tool for understanding the world.
4. Great ideas are born out of our willingness to challenge the status quo and venture into the unknown.
5. Science is not just about knowledge; it is about the spirit of exploration and the thrill of discovery.
6. Powerful ideas are just in your pocket.
7. Science is not about finding the ‘right’ answers; it is about asking the ‘right’ questions.
8. The best scientists are those who dare to challenge established beliefs and propose new theories.
9. Science is not a destination; it is a journey of continuous learning and growth.
10. Science is not limited to textbooks; it is a living, breathing entity that surrounds us every day.
