Dr. Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, fondly known as C.V. Raman was one of India's greatest scientists. Born on 7th November 1888 in a small village called Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu. Raman grew up curious, questioning the "why" behind everything he observed. His groundbreaking discovery of the Raman Effect, which explained how light interacts with molecules, not only earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 but also placed Indian science on the global map. But Raman's story isn't just about awards; it's about a man who turned simple observations—like the blue of the sea—into revolutionary scientific principles. Let's explore more about him. 

What is the Raman Effect?

When a beam of light passes through a transparent material (like glass, water, or gas), most of the light doesn’t change—it simply scatters and continues in the same wavelength (colour). However, a small portion of the light interacts with the molecules of the material in such a way that its energy changes. This results in a shift in the light's wavelength or frequency.

This phenomenon, where the scattered light has a different wavelength than the original light, is known as the Raman Effect.

In simpler terms:

• Imagine you shine a torch on a glass of water. Most of the light simply goes through or bounces off, but a tiny fraction of it "talks" to the water molecules. This interaction causes the light to change slightly, creating a new colour or wavelength.

Chandrashekara venkataraman : Biography 

Early Life of C.V. Raman

Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was born into a family that deeply valued education and learning. His father, Chandrasekara Iyer, was a school teacher who taught mathematics and physics, and his mother, Parvathi Ammal, was a home-maker with a keen interest in culture and tradition. This harmonious blend of intellect and discipline laid the foundation for Raman’s remarkable journey in life.

A Childhood of Curiosity

Raman's childhood was marked by an innate sense of wonder and curiosity. Unlike many children of his age, he didn’t just accept things at face value. Whether it was the twinkling stars in the sky or the mechanics of everyday objects, Raman always asked, "Why?"

His father played a significant role in nurturing this curiosity. As a teacher, he would often engage Raman in discussions about scientific principles and mathematical concepts. Books and journals on science, which were rare in most households at the time, were always available to young Raman, sparking his interest further.

Early Education of C. V. raman

C.V. Raman's academic brilliance became evident at an early age. By the time he was just 11 years old, he had completed his matriculation exams—a remarkable achievement in those days. He was a quiet but focused student who consistently excelled in his studies. His teachers often marvelled at his ability to grasp complex concepts with ease, and many predicted a bright future for the young prodigy.

After completing his early schooling, Raman joined AVN College in Visakhapatnam (then part of the Madras Presidency). Here, he excelled in academics and graduated with flying colours. His exceptional performance earned him a scholarship to continue his higher education.

College Life of C. V. Raman

At the age of 13, Raman enrolled in Presidency College, Madras (now Chennai), one of the most prestigious institutions in India at the time. Despite being the youngest student in his class, Raman quickly stood out for his intellectual abilities.

In 1904, at the age of 16, Raman completed his Bachelor’s degree in Physics, securing the gold medal. He didn’t just excel in physics; he displayed a natural flair for mathematics, earning high praise from his professors. Raman’s early academic achievements laid the groundwork for his future scientific endeavours.

Health Concerns and a Turn in the Road

Raman's academic journey was not without challenges. During his college years, he struggled with poor health. Medical professionals advised against him pursuing a strenuous career in science, which often required physical experiments. This limitation forced Raman to focus on theoretical aspects of physics rather than laboratory work—a decision that turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Instead of being deterred, Raman adapted by diving deep into theoretical physics, proving that obstacles can be stepping stones if approached with determination.

A Household of Simplicity and Learning

Raman’s upbringing was shaped by a simple yet intellectually stimulating environment. Despite limited financial resources, his family prioritized education above all else. His father’s job as a teacher meant that Raman was often surrounded by discussions about learning and teaching, inspiring him to view knowledge as a tool for empowerment.

The cultural environment of his home also played a role in shaping his values. Raman grew up with an appreciation for Indian traditions, music, and the arts, which later influenced his scientific research on acoustics and the physics of musical instruments.

Below table is description of major things in C.V. Raman life

After completing his education, Raman started his professional career in the Indian Finance Department in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1907. He worked as an Assistant Accountant General. This role, though unrelated to science, gave him a steady income, allowing him to continue his research interests in his spare time.

In 1917, Raman took a significant step in his career by moving to academia. He became a Professor of Physics at Presidency College in Calcutta. This was a turning point, as it allowed him to focus entirely on scientific research and experimentation.

Raman effect

How Did Raman Discover It?

Dr. C.V. Raman was fascinated by the colour of the sea and the sky. He wanted to understand why the sea appeared blue. During a sea voyage in 1921, he realized it wasn’t just about reflection—it had something to do with how light scattered in water.

When he returned to India, he began experimenting with light and transparent materials. Using a basic laboratory setup that included sunlight, a spectrometer (an instrument to measure light), and some filters, he noticed something remarkable:

When light passed through certain materials, the scattered light contained tiny shifts in its colour. After rigorous study, Raman concluded that this was due to the interaction between light waves and the vibrating molecules of the material.

This was a completely new discovery, as no one had observed or explained it before.

Why Does the Raman Effect Happen?

The Raman Effect occurs because of the interaction between light photons and the molecules of the material. Here’s how it works step by step:

1. Light as Energy: Light is made up of tiny particles called photons, which carry energy.

2. Interaction with Molecules: When these photons hit a material, they interact with the molecules of that material.

3. Energy Exchange: During this interaction, energy can be exchanged between the light photons and the molecules. If the molecule absorbs energy from the photon or gives energy back, the light’s wavelength changes.

4. Scattered Light: The scattered light now has a slightly different colour or frequency than the original light.

This energy exchange depends on the vibrations of the molecules in the material, which is why the Raman Effect provides valuable information about the material’s molecular structure.

Applications of the Raman Effect

The discovery of the Raman Effect revolutionized science, as it gave scientists a new way to study the composition of materials. Today, it has many applications in different fields:

1. Chemistry and Material Science:

• The Raman Effect helps scientists identify the chemical composition of unknown substances.

• It is used to study the molecular structure of materials.

2. Medicine:

• Raman spectroscopy (a technology based on the Raman Effect) is used to detect cancer cells and diagnose diseases.

3. Pharmaceuticals:

• It helps in quality control by analysing the composition of medicines.

4. Forensic Science:

• Raman spectroscopy is used to analyse evidence like drugs, paints, or explosives in crime investigations.

5. Astronomy:

• The Raman Effect helps scientists understand the composition of distant planets and stars by analysing light coming from them.

Importance of the Raman Effect

The Raman Effect was a groundbreaking discovery because it gave scientists a non-invasive way to study materials at the molecular level. Before Raman’s discovery, analysing molecular structures was a difficult and time-consuming process.

For his work, C.V. Raman became the first Indian scientist to win the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. The significance of his discovery was so immense that 28th February, the day he announced the Raman Effect to the world, is celebrated as National Science Day in India.

Nobel Prize For Physics

In 1930, Dr. C.V. Raman became the first Indian scientist to win the Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of the Raman Effect. This breakthrough showed how light interacts with matter, changing its wavelength and revealing the molecular structure of materials. The discovery was revolutionary and quickly gained global recognition for its importance in understanding the behaviour of light and matter. Receiving the award in Stockholm, Sweden, Raman proudly represented India by wearing a traditional dhoti and turban, dedicating the prize to his country. His achievement not only advanced science but also inspired generations of Indian scientists, marking a proud moment in India’s history.

Post Nobel Prize 

After winning the Nobel Prize, Raman continued his scientific work and academic contributions. He became a prominent figure in Indian science, advocating for more research and educational institutions in India.

In 1933, Raman became the Honorary Director of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore, where he worked with various scientists and made significant advancements in acoustics and optics.

In 1948, Raman established the Raman Research Institute in Bangalore, which became a centre for cutting-edge research in physics and related fields. The institute focused on experimental physics, and many of his students and colleagues contributed significantly to the advancement of Indian science.

C.V. Raman's life and achievements continue to inspire generations of scientists. His discovery of the Raman Effect revolutionized the field of physics and opened doors for advancements in optics, chemistry, and beyond. His contributions to science, education, and India’s scientific growth have left an indelible legacy that will be remembered for centuries.