Chandrashekhar Venkat Raman (C.V.Raman)

Chandrashekhar Venkat Raman, born on November 7, 1888, in Tiruchirapalli, South India, demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for science from a young age. He completed his high school education in Vishakhapatnam, where his father worked as a physics lecturer. Raman then pursued his higher education at Presidency College, Madras, where he earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees with top honors. Even as a student, Raman showed a keen interest in scientific research, publishing his work in international journals and foreshadowing his future success in the field.

In 1907, Raman secured a prestigious appointment as Assistant Accountant General in Calcutta after excelling in a competitive examination conducted by the Indian Finance Department. During his tenure with the Indian Finance Department, he also served as Deputy Accountant-General for the Post and Telegraph Department in Calcutta. Despite his administrative duties, Raman continued to pursue his passion for science, publishing papers in various branches of physics.

In 1917, Raman accepted the Palit Chair of Physics at Calcutta University, marking a significant turning point in his career. Although this move meant relinquishing a lucrative government position, Raman’s dedication to scientific inquiry was unwavering. The following years, from 1917 to 1932, were marked by intense scientific activity for Raman. He made significant contributions to the fields of acoustics and optics, and in early 1928, he discovered a new phenomenon known as the “Raman effect,” which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.

Raman’s accolades extended beyond the Nobel Prize. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London in 1924 and knighted in 1929 for his outstanding contributions to science. In 1933, he was appointed Director of the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, where he continued his research endeavors. Raman’s dedication to scientific advancement led him to establish the Indian Academy of Sciences in 1934, headquartered in Bangalore.

In 1948, Raman founded the Raman Research Institute in Bangalore, to which he generously contributed financially. The institute became a hub for research on the structure of diamonds and other gemstones, reflecting Raman’s diverse scientific interests. Throughout his life, Raman was not only a brilliant scientist but also a captivating public speaker with a keen sense of humor and a love for music.

Raman passed away on November 21, 1970, after a brief illness, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the scientific community. His contributions helped elevate India’s reputation in the modern world of science. The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department pays tribute to this illustrious son of India by issuing a commemorative stamp on the occasion of his first death anniversary. The stamp features a portrait of C.V. Raman with a diamond in the foreground, symbolizing his groundbreaking research. Additionally, the First Day Cover depicts the Raman Research Institute in Bangalore, a testament to Raman’s enduring impact on scientific research in India.