The woman scientist of India

Indian Independence Movement

Role of science

India's women scientist

 On the occasion Celebration of 75th years of independence , the nectar festival of freedom should be organized in such a way that freedom struggle and role of science should be experience.Women plays an important role in the  scientific progress of India. They are the glow of modern India. Means talent and strength of our scientist is the power of India.When our country celebrate Amrit mahotsav, it shows where we will be? What will be  our place in the world? Where will you take India?  So,the freedom struggle of India and role of science will inspire us for our progress. 

The female scientists from pre-independence era whose contribution to the field of science is part of our rich legacy:

Gender roles were largely deterministic in the eighteenth century and women made substantial advances in science. During the nineteenth century, women were excluded from most formal scientific education, but they began to be admitted into learned societies during this period. In the later nineteenth century, the rise of the women's college provided jobs for women scientists and opportunities for education

Those long and arduous years of freedom ignited the hearts and minds of many Indians. A lot of families as well decided to do away with the old ways as India needed more support in every field. Be it social service, field of education, active campaigning and science. India has been home to some great female scientists going all the way back to the 19th century. These great woman scientists were warriors in their own right as they made a name for themselves by beating all odds and must be celebrated.

These scientists are the inspiration for society. Youg generation take lesson from them. Some of the great woman scientist are explain here.

 

1)Dr. Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi (1865 – 1887)Born in Kalyan . Marathi Brahmin family, she was the first Indian female physician to be trained in western medicine. 

2) Dr. Kadambini Ganguly (1861 – 1923)She was also the first South Asian female physician, trained in western medicine. 

3) Asima chatarji  (1917 -2006)was the first woman scientist in university of India.  She was MSc in organic chemistry from Kolkata university. 

She researched natural products chemistry and developed leading anti-convulsive, anti-malarial, and chemotherapy drugs.

One of her most successful anti-epileptic drug, ‘Ayush-56’ was developed from Marsilia minuta, while her anti-malarial drug was developed from Alstonia scholaris, Swrrtia chirata, Picrorphiza kurroa and Ceasalpinna crista.

She  researched on alkaloids used during chemotherapy to prevent the multiplication of cells in cancer patients. These patented drugs have been widely marketed by several companies.

Asima also chemically analysed coumarins, which essentially came from the bael tree, a native species in India. It was she who brought to light that the fruits and bark of this tree could treat a variety of gastrointestinal disorders.

She was Fellow of Indian National Academy of Sciences, New Delhi

Shantiswarup Bhatnaagar award in chemistry. She is the first woman to receive this award.

इ.स. 1975 Padma Bhushan Award - for important research in the field of science and technology. She was appointed by President as a member of Rajyasabha. 

4) Dr. Janaki Ammal (1897- 1984)

Born in a Thiyya, Kerala.Janaki Ammal was an Indian botanist who conducted scientific research in cytogenetics and phytogeography. Her most notable work has been on sugarcane and eggplant. She has also collected several valuable plants of medicinal and economical value from the rain forests of Kerala.

 She made great advancements in several inter-generic hybrids. She devoted herself to the service of Indian government in  various research facilities till the very end of her life.

The University of Michigan conferred an honorary LL.D. on her in 1956 and later the Government of India conferred the prestigious Padma Shri in 1977. 

5) Professor Anna Mani (1918 – 2001)

She was a physicist and meteorologist in the field of science.

she worked under Prof. C.V. Raman . She researched on optical properties of ruby and diamond. Later on, she studied meteorological instruments at Imperial College, London. After return to India she joined the meteorological department in Pune. She contributed to the study of radiation, ozone and atmospheric electricity, both on the surface and in the upper air using special sounding techniques. She retired as the deputy director-general of the Indian Meteorological department in 1976.

6) Rajeshwari Chatterjee (1922 ) is the first woman scientist to pioneer in the field of Microwave engineering and Antennae Engineering in India. She was also the first woman engineer of India

She completed her Ph.D in Michigan. 

 

These remarkable women carved a niche for themselves in an era where Indians were subjugated to many atrocities. With their indomitable spirit and resilience they not only soared to great heights but also helped others in the process. They emerged as a beacon of hope for the youth of India at a time they needed heroes. 

These scientists continue to serve as an inspiration to march ahead in their respective fields. For the Progress of Science Education: In 1988, a plan was launched to improve science education. Financial assistance is given for science literature, science laboratory improvement, development of teaching materials, training of science and mathematics teachers. The CIET was set up at NCERT to procure materials for the State Institutes of Technology.

Women's Education: The literacy rate of women in India is negligible. According to the 2001 census, female literacy was 52% and male literacy was 75 .8%. There is a big difference between men and women literacy.The current literacy rate of men is 82.14% while the percentage of women is only 65.46%. The reason for low literacy in women is family and population.Women's education has been given high priority in the national education policy and many state governments have waived tuition fees for girls up to university level. Separate schools and colleges were started to increase the literacy rate of women.