75th Anniversary of Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru

Foundation and Legacy

The Raman Research Institute (RRI), founded in 1948 by Nobel Laureate Sir C. V. Raman, is one of India’s premier scientific institutions. Established on land gifted by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV of Mysore, the Institute has carried forward Raman’s vision of pursuing fundamental research in frontier areas of Physics. Sir Raman served as its Director until his passing in 1970.

In 1971, RRI became the first autonomous institution funded by the newly formed Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, thus beginning a new era of independent research and innovation.

Research Frontiers

RRI has continually expanded its scientific horizons and now works in diverse fields, covering scales from the cosmic to the atomic. Its thrust research areas include:

• Astronomy & Astrophysics
• Light & Matter Physics
• Soft Condensed Matter
• Theoretical Physics

This wide spectrum has enabled RRI to carve a niche for itself in both national and international scientific communities.

Notable Scientific Achievements

Among the Institute’s landmark contributions are:

1. Discovery of Discotic Liquid Crystals
   • Predicted and discovered at RRI, these crystals revolutionized display technology.
   • Recognized by Fuji Films in 1993, they solved the problem of wide-angle viewing.
   • Today, they are integral to most LCD screens worldwide.
2. Gravitational Wave Predictions
   • RRI researchers predicted the precise “chirp” signals and “ring-down” phase of black hole mergers.
   • These were spectacularly validated by LIGO’s first detection in 2015, confirming Einstein’s theory and marking a breakthrough in astrophysics.
3. Radio Astronomy Leadership
   • RRI has executed major radio telescope projects in India and abroad.
   • It plays a key role in the Square Kilometer Array (SKA), the world’s largest upcoming radio telescope, cementing India’s leadership in this domain.

75 Years of Excellence

On 7 November 2022, RRI entered its 75th year. The Platinum Jubilee is being celebrated under the banner of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, with:

• National and international conferences
• Prestigious lecture series
• Expanded science outreach programs
• Participation of eminent scientists and dignitaries from across the globe

The Jubilee year also honors the Institute’s scientists, faculty, and students who have contributed to nation-building through science.

Future Directions

At the threshold of its next era, RRI is poised for path-breaking research:

• Advancing Quantum Technologies, aligned with the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications.
• Strengthening collaborations with ISRO in Quantum Communication, X-Ray and Radio Astronomy.
• Developing Terahertz detectors and pioneering millimeter to sub-millimeter band Astronomy in India.
• Leading ambitious projects to detect signals from the Cosmic Dawn and study cosmic recombination lines of hydrogen from the early Universe.

Nurturing the Next Generation

RRI continues to train and inspire India’s next generation of scientists through its PhD, Postdoctoral, Research Assistant and Visiting Students Programs. The Institute also maintains a strong tradition of academic exchange through conferences, workshops, and outreach programs, ensuring science reaches both specialists and the general public.

Towards National Goals

RRI contributes to mega science projects like SKA and LIGO-India, while actively promoting:

• In-house technological innovation
• Alignment with the ‘Make in India’ initiative
• A culture of excellence and self-reliance in frontier research

Commemorative Stamp

On the occasion of its Platinum Jubilee, the Department of Posts is proud to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp in honor of Raman Research Institute, celebrating its outstanding contributions to the advancement of science and technology in India.