On this day, 7th November: C.V. Raman, a Pioneer in Indian Science was born in Tiruchirappalli - 1888

Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, is celebrated as one of India’s greatest physicists and a key figure in the global scientific community. His groundbreaking work in light scattering, known as the Raman Effect, led him to become the first Asian to win a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. This discovery, revealing how light changes wavelength upon passing through a transparent material, was pivotal to quantum theory and solidified India’s presence in the scientific world.

Raman’s journey in science began early, inspired by his father, a lecturer in mathematics and physics. His remarkable intelligence led him to secure a scholarship to the University of Madras, where he completed his degree at just 16. While serving as a civil servant in Kolkata, Raman conducted his research at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), where he ultimately observed the light scattering effect that now bears his name.

Beyond his Nobel-winning discovery, Raman dedicated his life to developing scientific talent and promoting research in India. He founded the Raman Research Institute in Bangalore, inspiring generations of scientists. His achievements stand as a testament to scientific passion and intellectual rigor, bringing India onto the global stage of scientific innovation.