Raja Ramanna
Today is the birthday of Indian nuclear scientist King Ramanna. Raja Ramanna (Kannada Raja Ramanna) (28 January 1925 - 23 September 2004) was a nuclear scientist of India. Sri Raja Ramanna was born in Tumkur, Karnataka. He was also the mastermind of India's first nuclear test. 'Raja Ramanna was honored with Padma Bhushan in 1973 by the Government of India in the field of Science and Engineering.
Born: 28 January, 1925, Tiptur, Tumkur, Karnataka
Workplace: Nuclear scientists, remained connected to India's nuclear program for 4 decades
Respect: Padma Shri (1968), Padma Bhashan (1973) and Padma Vibhushan (1975)
Institute: Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Defence Research & Development Organization, International Atomic Energy Agency, Defence Ministry, National Institute of Advanced Studies
Teaching Institutions: Bishop Cotton Boys School Bengaluru, Madras Christian College, University of Mumbai, Kings College London
Raja Ramanna was an Indian nuclear scientist who played an important role in the development of India's nuclear program. He attended India's nuclear program in 1964 and initially worked under the supervision of renowned nuclear scientist Dr. Homi Jahangir Bhabha and became the director of the program in 1967 after his demise. He observed and promoted scientific research related to the development of nuclear weapons. He was also the head of India's first nuclear test (Smiling Buddha) scientific team in 1974.
King Ramanna has conducted India's nuclear program for almost four decades, making him considered the 'father of India's Nuclear Program'. Government of India awarded high civil honors such as Padma Shri (1968), Padma Bhashan (1973) and Padma Vibhushan (1975).
The early life
King Ramanna was born on January 28, 1925 at a place called Tiptur in Tumkur, Mysore State. Her father's name was Ramanna and her mother's name was Rukmini. Child Ramanna showed a deep interest in music in childhood after his parents educated him with traditional Western music. His elementary education started at Bishop Cotton Boys School in Bengaluru where he primarily taught literature and traditional music. He B in Physics from Madras Christian College. S. C. Earned a degree and B in 'traditional music' in 1947. A. Got a degree of . After this he enrolled in University of Bombay from where he M in Physics. S. C. And then M on the subject of 'music'. Did Mus.
Following her in 1952 Ramanna received a Commonwealth scholarship after which she moved to England to doctorate. He enrolled for a doctorate at the University of London's King's College and completed his doctorate in 'Nuclear Physics' in 1954. In the United Kingdom he did his research at Atomic Energy Research Establishment (AERE) where he mastered 'Nuclear Fuel Cycle' and Nuclear Reactor Designing'. He had a serious interest in music and enjoyed European music during his visit to England and also read and learned about Western philosophy.
King Ramanna's interest and enthusiasm in western music and civilization lasted a lifetime and after returning to India he excelled himself as talented piano players. He performed traditional European music in many concerts across India and abroad. In 1956, on the invitation to Pakistan's 'National College of Arts' and 'National Academy of Performing Arts' he delivered a speech on classical piano and also exhibited his art.
India's nuclear program
Dr. Raja Ramanna was one of the most important persons associated with the country's 'nuclear program' initiated by India's first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru. He returned to India in 1954 after doctorating from England and was appointed as the Senior Technical Team at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center under the leadership of Dr. Homie Jahangir Bhabha. In 1958. He was appointed the Chief Directing Officer of the program. After the tragic death of Dr. Homi Jahangir Bhabha, he was made the head of the program and under his leadership in 1974, India conducted the first nuclear test (Smiling Buddha) after which Raja Ramanna got international fame and Indian Government honored him with Padma Vibhushan.
In 1978, Iraq's then President Saddam Hussain proposed King Ramanna to build a nuclear bomb for Iraq but he rejected the proposal and returned to India.
In the days after his career, King Ramanna advocated for making strict policies to prevent nuclear spread. He also traveled to Pakistan to attend the 'International Physics Conference' and gave a speech on Nuclear Physics. He contributed significant in efforts to establish peace between India-Pakistan and also played a leading role in preventing 'nuclear collision' in the region.
He joined the International Nuclear Energy Institute in 1984 and also president the 30th General Convention of the IAEA.
Interesting
Dr. Raja Ramanna was a rich man of verbal talent. He had a deep interest in nuclear physics as well as music and philosophy. They were very expert in playing piano and also displayed their art at several events across the country and abroad. Music was very close to his heart and he also wrote a book on the subject - 'The Structure of Music in Raga and Western Systems (1993). He also wrote another book (autobiography) 'Years of Pilgrimage' (1991).
As Minister of State
V in the year 1990 P. Raja Ramanna made Defense State Minister in Singh Government. From 1997 to 2003. He was also a member of the Rajya Sabha. He was also closely associated with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and chairman its Board of Directors for three consecutive sessions. He was made the first director of National Institute of Advanced Studies Bangalore in the year 2000.
Respect
In view of his work done for the country, the Government of India honored King Ramanna from time to time.
In 1963 he was awarded Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar Award in the field of science and technology
He was awarded with Padma Sri in 1968
He was awarded with Padma Bhushan in 1973
He was awarded with Padma Vibhushan in 1976
Passed away
Dr. Raja Ramanna went to Sidhar on 24th September 2004. He was 79 years old at his death.
