Two Eminent Scientists Born in Tamil Nadu

Introduction

(1) Dr. K. S. Krishnan and (2) Dr. G. N. Ramachandran are eminent scientists born in Tamil Nadu who made globally recognized scientific discoveries. It is essential for the younger generation to learn about their achievements.

I. Dr. K. S. Krishnan (1898 – 1961)

1. Introduction

Dr. K. S. Krishnan (Kariamanickam Srinivasa Krishnan) was a world-renowned physicist. He played a key role in the discovery of the “Raman Effect.”

2. Birth and Education

Date of Birth: 4 December 1898
Place of Birth: Vizhuppanur near Srivilliputhur (present Virudhunagar district)
Primary Education: Watrap traditional school
Higher Education: Srivilliputhur
Intermediate: Madurai
Bachelor’s Degree (Physics): Chennai
Higher Studies: Kolkata

In Kolkata, he met Sir C. V. Raman and engaged in research with him.

3. Major Discovery – Raman Effect (1928)

➤ Background: Research on whether light changes its nature while passing through a medium.

➤ Event: In February 1928, along with Sir C. V. Raman, he demonstrated a new phenomenon related to light scattering.

➤ Result: This was named the “Raman Effect.” In 1930, C. V. Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize.

Although he contributed significantly, Krishnan did not claim personal credit, reflecting his humility.

4. Other Contributions

• 1929 – Professor at Dhaka University
• Pioneer in Crystal Magnetism
• 1940 – Fellow of the Royal Society (London)
• 1946 – Awarded Knighthood (Sir)
• 1950 – Founder Director of the National Physical Laboratory, Delhi

5. Books

• “Einstein – The Revolutionary Scientist”
• “What is the Electrical Age of the Earth?”
• “Solar Energy”

6. Death

14 June 1961

7. Significance (Exam Point)

✔ Raman Effect – 1928
✔ Royal Society Membership – 1940
✔ Laid the foundation for the development of science in India
✔ World-famous scientist from Tamil Nadu

II. Dr. G. N. Ramachandran (1922 – 2001)

1. Introduction

Dr. G. N. Ramachandran was a pioneer in Biophysics. He established the Triple Helix theory.

2. Birth and Education

Date of Birth: 8 October 1922
Place of Birth: Tirunelveli
Education: University of Madras
1944 – Doctorate under the supervision of Sir C. V. Raman
1949 – Cambridge University

3. Collagen Research – Triple Helix Theory

➤ Background: Collagen is an important protein in the human body.

➤ Situation at that time:
• United States – Single helix theory
• Britain – Double helix theory

➤ Ramachandran’s Discovery: “Helix within a helix” (Triple Helix), which was accepted worldwide.

4. Ramachandran Plot

A mathematical method to explain the molecular structure of proteins. Today it is indispensable in biochemical research.

5. Other Contributions

• 1952–1970 – Head of the Physics Department, University of Madras
• Research in 3D structural analysis
• Studies in mathematics, logic, and crystallography

6. Death

7 April 2001

7. Significance (Exam Point)

✔ Triple Helix Model
✔ Ramachandran Plot
✔ Global impact in protein structure research
✔ Foundation for medical advancements such as MRI and X-ray crystallography

Comparison (Cause → Event → Impact)

Aspect: K. S. Krishnan → G. N. Ramachandran
Field: Physics → Biophysics
Major Discovery: Raman Effect (1928) → Triple Helix Model
Global Recognition: Royal Society (1940) → Ramachandran Plot
Impact: Development of optics → Medical & biological revolution

Important Points for Exams

✔ Raman Effect – 1928
✔ National Physical Laboratory – 1950
✔ Triple Helix – 1950s
✔ Ramachandran Plot – Foundation of protein structure research