5 Indian Scientists and their Inventions:

1. CHANDRASEKHARA V. RAMAN
C. V. Raman discovered that when light interacts with a molecule the light can donate a small
amount of energy to the molecule. As a result of this, the light changes its color and the molecule
vibrates. The change of color can act as a ‘fingerprint’ for the molecule. When a monochromatic
beam of light shoots on an object, a very small part of it interacts with the atoms of the object and
scatters light in a pattern unique to that particular molecule.
Uses of the Raman Effect in our Daily Life:
 In Medicinal tablets, Raman effect will show the chemical components distribution, purity
of raw material.
 In cosmetics, it will clearly show the depth of act of chemical material you apply on your
skin.
 It is very useful in finding the quality of diamond materials and gem stones.
 In detecting bombs, drugs, hidden substances, hazardous chemicals and gases.
2. DR. JAGADISH CHANDRA BOSE
Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose is one of the most prominent first Indian scientists who proved by
experimentation that both animals and plants share much in common. He demonstrated that plants
are also sensitive to heat, cold, light, noise and various other external stimuli. Bose contrived a
very sophisticated instrument called the crescograph, which could record and observe plants
minute responses to external stimulants. It was capable of magnifying the motion of plant tissues
to about 10,000 times of their actual size and, in doing so, found many similarities between plants
and other living organisms.
Importance of the crescograph:
The scientist worked tirelessly to chart how chemical inhibitors, temperature and light change the
way plants grow, and advise humans on how to better care for vegetation.
It paved the way for scientists to better understand how to cultivate crops in a more effective way,
and encouraged people to take better care of plant life. In one particular report, Bose wrote that he
believed plants “feel pain and understand affection” just as much as humans do.
3. DR. HOMI JEHANGIR BHABHA
Bhabha become the first chairperson of India’s Atomic Energy Commission in 1948. It was under
his direction that the scientists of India made their way into making an atomic bomb and the first
atomic reactant was operated in Mumbai in 1956. Bhabha also led the first UN Conference held
for the purpose of Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in Geneva, 1955. He promoted nuclear energy
control and also prohibition of atomic bombs worldwide. He was absolutely against India
manufacturing atomic bombs even if the country had enough resources to do so. Instead he
suggested that the production of an atomic reactor should be used to lessen India’s misery and
poverty.
4. DR. VIKRAM AMBALAL SARABHAI
Dr Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai was the key person behind the launch of India's first satellite
'Aryabhatta'. His studies of cosmic rays have made it evident that cosmic rays are a flow of energy
particles with its source in outer space. Dedicated to the use of all aspects of science and
technology in general and to space applications in particular as “levers of development,” Sarabhai
initiated programs to take education to remote villages through satellite communication.
5. PRAFULLA CHANDRA RAY
Known as “Father of Indian Chemistry”, Prafulla Chandra Ray was a well-known Indian scientist
and teacher and one of the first “modern” Indian chemical researchers. In 1892 with a small capital
of 700 INR, he established Bengal Chemical Works. It flourished under his management. The
company initially produced herbal products and indigenous medicines. In 1901 the enterprise
became a limited company, Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Works Ltd (BCPW) and India’s
first pharmaceutical company. Gradually, the company expanded and became a leading chemicals
and medicine producer.