C.V Raman went to Europe in 1921. He went there as a representative of Calcutta University to a science meet. He was the youngest scientist. He wondered why the water of Mediterranean sea was such a dark shade of the blue. He was the man to give the answer to this simple question. For this he was awarded the Nobel Prize.
Dr. Chandrasekhara Venkat Raman wae possibly the greatest physicist this country has produced. He was born in a South Indian Brahmin family in1888 at thiruvanaikkaval near Thiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu. He was a brilliant student. He passed his Matriculation at the age of 11. He graduated from the Presidency Collage, Madras.He wanted to
go abroad after his graduation. He was told by a British doctor that he would
not be able to bear the hardship of the English weather. He completed his
Master’s degree. He got a job in Calcutta as an assistant accountant general. But
he continued to take a great deal of interest in science. He used to spend most
of his time in the morning and evening in the laboratory of Indian Association
for Cultivation of Science.After ten
years of government service, Raman resigned the job to work as the professor of
physics at Calcutta University, despite the fact that he got a lower salary. It
was at the university that Raman did the most important research of his life. The
world was quick to recognize the value of his achievements.When the
Noble Prize was announced, he took it as a great achievement and reward for
seven years of devoted work. Sitting in the crowded hall, he saw himself surrounded
by the sea of western faces. He felt proud to represent his people and his country.
He humbly received the prize from King Gustav. He turned round and saw the
British Union Jack under which he had been sitting. He realized that his poor
country India did not have a flag of her own. This made him break down. Tears started
streaming down his face.Unit the day
he died, he wore the traditional Indian turban in place of a European hat. During
his visit to London, he went one evening to the Royal Institution to hear a lecture
by Load Rutherford. As he arrived late, he sat in one of the back rows. Lord
Rutherford saw him and asked him to come to the front. He went and sat in front
with all the famous British scientist. It was his turban that made Rutherford recognize
him as C.V. Raman. He was himself a brilliant speaker, and his speeches were
laced with ready wit. He believed in the oneness of Nature and Science.He had
experienced the pangs of poverty and misery. He knew the difficulties that most
of the Indian graduates have to face. He urged them to remain confident and
courageous under adverse circumstances so that they can finally achieve great
things. Those who follow the path of endurance and sincerity of porous do not
get disheartened. They make their way in life all right. The Noble Prize and
other awards leave a bitter taste in the mouth, if we do not appreciate what we
see around.Happiness does
not consist in going to movies and watching thrilling films and technicolor
dramas. Great things in life are the God given ones. These things cost nothing.
Indian youth must have the desire to appreciate the God given things. Sights,
sounds and scenes of Nature gives us joy if we have our minds and hearts open. We
have to appreciate nature and her wonderful gifts and her great variety.C.V. Raman
looked upon Science and Nature as one study of Science. It is a kind of worship
of goddess of Nature of which we are a part. This was his confirmed belief
which he followed to the end of his life. Man can be happy when he is able to
appreciate nature and common people around him. The common things of life and
their appreciation are the best sources of happiness in our life.C.V Raman
explains the meaning of patriotism. He is of view that patriotism means the
love of earth. We are of the earth. When we die we return to the earth. Whether
we are cremated or buried, we get back to earth. Sita was of the earth and she
returned to the earth. Our earth sustains all life on it. Dr. C.V. Raman urges
Indian youth is particular to appreciate the meaning of love of earth to be
able to make real progress. It is our duty to help fellow beings and we should not
expect them to show any gratitude in return. We must go back to earth and take
it as our duty to do something to produce the things we live on.Dr. C.V.
Raman feels pleased to be able to speak to the youth men and women of India who
are entering the pathway of life after completing their education in collage
and universities. He does not want to inflict unwanted advice on them. He wants
them to think over his suggestions. If they find his views to be useful, they
must act seriously to overcome the hardship which are the common lot of the
common masses in India today.Dr. C.V.
Raman was showered with several honors, including Bharat Ratna in 1954. In 1924,
he was made Fellow of the Royal Society, London. In 1924, he was awarded the
Knighthood of British Government. In 1930, he was awarded the Noble Prize. He also
won the International Lenin Prize in 1957, he was offered the Vice-President
ship of India. He questioned, “What shall I do with the Ship?”Dr. C.V
Raman served the cause of science to the best of his ability. He pursued the
cause of research in India to last. He set up the Raman Research Institute. He
breathed his last on 21 November,1970. He was cremated on the campus itself. A
solitary tree stands near the place of his cremation.
No comments:
Post a Comment