Page 39 - Science India August 2022

SATYENDRA NATH BOSE
(1894-1974)
Mathematician, Physicist
He is known for his work on quantum mechanics in the early 1920s, in developing the foundation for Bose statistics and the theory of the Bose condensate. He is also known for his collaboration with Albert Einstein. The class of particles that obey Bose statistics, bo- sons, is named after him.
SRINIVASA RAMANUJAN
(1887-1920)
Mathematician
Despite no formal training in pure mathematics, he substantially contributed to complex analysis, number theory, infinite series,
and continued fractions. In 1914, Ramanujan found a formula for infinite series for pi, which forms the basis of many algorithms used today. His birth anniversary on 22 December is observed as National Mathematics Day.
SHANKAR PURUSHOTTAM AGHARKAR
(1884-1960)
Science Research Pioneer
Was the Founder Director (1946– 60) of the Maharashtra Association for the Cultivation of Science. He explored the biodiversity of the Western Ghats where he discov- ered a freshwater jellyfish, only known to be found in Africa. The finding was published in Nature in 1912. Pune’s Agharkar Research Institute is named after him.
VIKRAM SARABHAI
(1919-1971)
Father of Indian Space Programme, Physicist
Father of the Indian space pro- gramme, he laid the foundation of what is now known as ISRO. He established the Physical Research Laboratory at Ahmedabad in 1947 and was the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India. Was honoured with Padma Bhushan in 1966 and Padma Vib- hushan (posthumously) in 1972.
SHANTI SWARUP BHATNAGAR
(1894-1955)
Chemist, Scientific Administrator, Institution Builder
First director-general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), he is revered as the Father of Research Laboratories in India. Was the first Chairman of the Uni- versity Grants Commission (UGC). In his honour, the CSIR annually awards the SSB Prize for Science and Technology, the most presti- gious science award in the country.
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA
(1863-1902)
Spiritual Leader, Philosopher, Patriotic Prophet, Humanist
Born as Narendranath Datta in Calcutta, he founded Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. His immortal speech at the Parliament of World’s Religions in Chica-
go (1893) brought global attention to India’s strengths from Vedanta to Science. He inspired scientists and industrialists in creating scientific infrastructure for and by Indians.
*Compiled by Sonam Singh Subhedar. The profiles have been arranged alphabetically.
AUGUST 2022 SCIENCE INDIA 39