Dr. Raja Ramanna

• Name: Dr. Raja Ramanna
• Date of Birth: 28 Jan 1925
• Passed Away On: 24 Sep 2004
• Religion: Hindu
• Location: Karnataka
• Address: Tumkur, in the princely state of Mysore Ruled by British

The Indian scientists sailed successfully against the tide. Dr Raja Ramanna, a stalwart of India's nuclear programme who was associated with the country's first nuclear test in 1974. was an Indian physicist who is best known for his role in India's nuclear program during its early stages.

𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞

Raja Ramanna was born in beginning of 1925 to Rukmini and Ramanna in Tumkur, in the princely state of Mysore Ruled by British. The parents having recognised his talent for music early in life were instrumental in introducing him to classical European music. Beginning his studies at Bishop Cotton Boys' School, Bangalore, where he mostly studied literature and classical music, he later attended Madras Christian College and resided at St. Thomas's Hall where he continued his interests in arts and literature but soon shifted back to physics. At Madras Christian College, Ramanna obtained a BSc in Physics and gained a Ba degree in Classical music in 1947

𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫

In 1947 Ramanna went on to attend Bombay University where he gained his MSc in Physics, followed by M.Mus. in Music theory. Ramanna was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship, and travelled to Great Britain in 1952 to complete his doctorate. Ramanna attended London University's King's College and enrolled in a doctoral programme there. In 1954, Raja Ramanna obtained a PhD in Nuclear Physics and also a LRSM from King's College London. In the United Kingdom, Ramanna was invited to do his research at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment (AERE) where he gained expertise in nuclear fuel cycles and reactor designing. While in the UK, Ramanna continued his interest in European music and Western philosophy, attending Opera and Orchestra performances every week.

𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

The eminent scientist was heading the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre when India carried out its first nuclear test in Pokhran in 1974.

He has served as director-general of the Defence Research and Development Organisation and as scientific adviser to the defence minister.

He was the Union minister of state for defence from January to November 1990. In 1997, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha.
Ramanna 'elated' over N-tests

In recognition of his services, he was appointed director emeritus of the Bangalore-based National Institute of Advanced Studies, which he headed earlier. He was honoured with the Padmashri, Padmabhushan and Padmavibhushan awards.

He had a deep interest in music and even penned a book on the subject: The Structure of Music in Raga and Western Systems.

He was 79 and is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.

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