Great Indian Scientists

1. Aryabhata (476-550)

Indian astronomer and mathematician. Aryabhata was a brilliant mathematician who lived in India during the fifth century. He is best known for his work on the principles of zero and infinity. Aryabhata also made significant contributions to the field of astronomy, including developing a model of the solar system that was more accurate than anything that had been proposed before. He discovered the Spherical shape of Earth and wrote that the Earth rotates on its axis. He gave an approximate value of (3.1416), He formulated rule to extraction of square and cube roots. He is best known for his work on the Hindu numerals and his attempt to solve the problem of the quadratic equation. These are a few of his gifts to the modem science. India’s first unmanned satellite was named after him.

2. Bhaskara lI (1114-1185)

Bhaskara II, also known as Bhaskaracharya, was an Indian mathematician who flourished in the 12th century. He is best remembered for his treatise on differential calculus, titled the Siddhanta Shiromani (“The Crown of Treatises”), which presented innovative methods for differential equations and integrals. Bhaskara’s work played a key role in the subsequent development of calculus in Europe. He also wrote treatises on astronomy and algebra, and made significant contributions to number theory. He proposed an organised way to write decimals. As an astrologer, he calculated the almost precise planetary positions. Bhaskara II is considered one of the pioneers of Algebra.

3. J. C. Bose (1858-1937)

Jagadish Chandra Bose was a great plant physiologist of India. He is best known for his work on wireless communication and as the inventor of the crescograph, an instrument used to measure plant growth. He also made instruments to measure minute responses of living organisms. He proved that like animals, plants too have feelings. This astonishing fact changed the attitude of the world.

Bose’s work on wireless communication laid the foundation for modern telecommunications. He also made important contributions to the fields of optics and acoustics. He is also credited with discovering millimetre length electromagnetic waves.

4. M. S. Swaminathan (1925-)

Father of Indian Green Revolution, M S Swaminathan is widely respected for his work in agriculture and rural development. He is often referred to as the “Father of the Green Revolution in India” for his work in developing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice. He introduced new seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides aiming high productivity which led India to become self-sufficient in food grain production. He has received numerous awards and honours, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. Swaminathan has also been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize several times. In addition to his scientific work, Swaminathan is also an outspoken advocate for the rights of farmers and rural communities. He has worked to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development policies that benefit the poor and marginalized. Swaminathan’s work has had a lasting impact on the lives of millions of people in India and other developing countries.

5. Vikram Sarabhai (1919-1971)

Famously known as ‘Father of Indian Space Programme’, his one man initiative to Start Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 1961 gave a new orient to the India’s space exploration. One of Sarabhai’s most important contributions was the development of the launch vehicle for India’s first satellite, Aryabhata. The satellite was launched in 1975 and was a major achievement for the Indian space program. However he could not see the launch . Sarabhai also played a key role in the development of India’s first indigenous satellite launch vehicle, SLV-3. The launch vehicle was successfully tested in 1980 and paved the way for India to become a self-reliant space power. Dr Sarabhai Is the inspiration behind the space conquering efforts of India. India’s first launching centre al Thiruvananthapuram is named after him (Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre -VSSC}

6. Dr. A, P. J. Abdul Kalam (1931-2015)

Abdul Kalam was an Indian aerospace scientist. He was born and raised in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu and studied physics and aerospace engineering. Kalam was also part of the INCOSPAR committee working under Vikram Sarabhai, the renowned space scientist. In 1969, Kalam was transferred to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) where he was the project director of India’s first Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III). His association with ISRO opened a new road O e Prthv and ballistic missile technology Surtace to Surace s ident of the Nation. amme fre space cap Nation honored him by electing e President of the Nation. He served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He is famously known as Father of Indian Missile Programme.

7. H. J. Bhabha (1909-1966)

Father of Indian Atomic Programme Homi Jehangir Bhabha was the first chairman of Atomic Energy Commission set up in 1948. India’s largest atomic research centre at Trombay is named after him. He was awarded the Adams prize(1942) and Padma Bhushan(1956). He was also nominated for the Nobel Prize for physics in 1951 and 1953-56. He represented India in International Atomic Energy Forums, and as President of the United Nations Conference on The Peaceful uses of Atomic Energy. Bhabha died in a plane crash in Europe in 1966, eight years after India became the sixth nuclear power in the world by Pokhran Explosion on May 18, 1974.

8. C. V. Raman (1888-1970)

Chandrashekhar Venkata Raman was the first Indian scientist with a Noble Prize(1930). This great recognition was for his findings on scattering of light popularly known as ‘Raman effect’. He discovered that when light traverses a transparent material, some of the deflected light changes its wavelength. He founded Raman Research Institute in Bangalore in 1948. He received fellowship from Royal Society of London in 1924.On 28 February every year, India celebrates National Science Day to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect in 1928 in his honour. He was awarded with the Franklin medal in 1941, the Lenin Peace Prize in 1957 and also the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India in 1954.

9. Dr M. Visvesvaraya (1861-1962)

Visvesvaraya was an engineer by profession but ended up becoming one of the makers of modern India. He was appointed Chief Engineer and Secretary to the Government of Mysore in November 1909. He was the brain behind Krishnarajasagar Dam of Mysore, Mysore University, and Mysore sandals and oil factory. He was also instrumental in developing a system to protect Vishakhapatnam port from sea erosion. This dam creates the biggest reservoir at the time of its construction. He became Diwan of Mysore in 1912 and was honoured with the Bharat Ratna in 1955. His Birthday on 15^th September is celebrated every year as Engineer’s day in India, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.