Remembering Dr. Raja Ramanna, Nuclear Scientist
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Remembering Dr. Raja Ramanna, Nuclear Scientist

January 29, 2025

Commemorating the Birth Centenary & remembering his Mysuru connection

Mysuru: Yesterday, 28th was the birthday of Dr. Raja Ramanna (born 28.1.1925) and also the birth centenary of this legendary towering figure in Indian science and a true visionary who transformed the nation’s nuclear landscape.

Dr. Ramanna, an extraordinary Nuclear Physicist, served as the Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, playing a pivotal role in shaping India’s nuclear programme. Under his leadership, India achieved a historic milestone with Smiling Buddha, the nation’s first successful nuclear test on 18 May 1974, marking its arrival as a global nuclear power.

In his words: “Nature does nothing in vain when less will serve; for Nature is pleased with simplicity and affects not the pomp of superfluous causes… The purpose of science then was to understand natural phenomena. The nation could progress only by embracing science and scientific thinking.”

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Ramanna’s contributions to science earned him numerous accolades, including: Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award for Science and Technology (1963); Padma Shri (1968);  Padma Bhushan (1973); Padma Vibhushan (1975); Meghnad Saha Medal (1984) and Asutosh Mookerjee Gold Medal (1996)

Let us honour the life and legacy of this remarkable Scientist, who dedicated himself to India’s scientific advancement and inspired generations to dream beyond boundaries, says M.N.V. Viswanath, Vice-Chairman, IIM, ISNT, SFA & Vice-President, ASTC.

And there is also a Mysuru connection that has made Dr. Ramanna remember this city all his life. He was a lower primary student at the Dalvoy School here in city.

In an article published in The Indian Express in September 2004, he had paid a rich tribute to the school saying that its teachers laid the foundation for his future.

Dr. Ramanna was known as a good piano player. Sister John of Good Shepherd Convent in city, also a well-known pianist of our city, was his contemporary and she used to play the piano along with him. Dr. Raja Ramanna had also played the piano at Mysore Palace. Dr. Raja Ramanna learnt piano at the Good Shepherd Convent and was close to Sister John Doraichetty as students.

Later, Dr. Ramanna in his book “The structure of Music in Raga Western Systems” appreciated Sister John’s skills, a specialisation, in playing Karnatak music on the piano. Dr. Ramanna would also visit the Band House (now Police Commissioner’s Office annexe) to play the piano.

Dr. Ramanna had also instituted a gold medal after “Balamani” in the Department of Economics, Mysore University, according to Dr. G. Madaiah, former Vice-Chancellor, adding that Dr. Ramanna later visited the University to pay the deficit money for the award.

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