Meghnad Saha
A prolific astrophysicist, a
dazzling
theoretical physicist and one who
envisioned institutionalized Indian science.
Definitely iconic, Saha is symbolic of a newer
wave towards the synthesis of modernism in the
early 20th century. A small petty-shopkeeper’s
son, Saha earns a Mathematics post-graduate
degree and self trains himself in the
discipline of physics.
It is quite a spectacular story of a young lad from a poor socio economic background being
able to !nd opportunity and education in colonial India. Even more spectacular is his ability to dedicate himself to building a “culture of science”- by dogged pursuit of research.
What philosophical mores would a scientist of his calibre have, as Saha lived and worked in
a time that spanned local and global political influences such as British imperialism, world
wars and Indian Independence?
“Scientists are often accused of living in the “Ivory Tower” and not troubling their mind with realities and apart from my association with political movements in my juvenile years, I had lived in ivory tower up to 1930” - Meghnad Saha
It is quite a spectacular story of a young lad from a poor socio economic background being
able to !nd opportunity and education in colonial India. Even more spectacular is his ability to dedicate himself to building a “culture of science”- by dogged pursuit of research.
What philosophical mores would a scientist of his calibre have, as Saha lived and worked in
a time that spanned local and global political influences such as British imperialism, world
wars and Indian Independence?
“Scientists are often accused of living in the “Ivory Tower” and not troubling their mind with realities and apart from my association with political movements in my juvenile years, I had lived in ivory tower up to 1930” - Meghnad Saha
Moulting Tradition
For two groups, science inclined
intellectuals and industrialists, Gandhi’s approach to
industrialisation and progress had
spelt indigestion. While Saha and other scientists set their rockets for progress in pursuit of
science and industry, would Bapu’s cultural-political movement have presented a dilemma
in conviction?
Nascent Nation
Gandhi’s propositions of
traditional mechanization and progress fueled by cottage industries
was not viable to build a nation.
To further modern science’s progress, Meghnad involved the Congress party in science affairs
within India
that was under the queen. With the exit of the East India Company, was Nehru’s
image to be a bittersweet part of the Saha scientific?
Did he retrace his “modern is forward” steps?
Did he retrace his “modern is forward” steps?
Social Irrelevance
Perhaps, Saha envisioned modern
science’s role in society responsibly. Through his career, being a brilliant contributor to the
development of atomic physics, Saha saw excellent potential for India in development of nuclear knowledge. Only, he didn’t
elaborate how, except that sciences within universities should be
within public reach.The social and the scientific cooked as new national stew producing different
tastes. Modern was of!cially birthed but stumbling.
“Scientists are often accused of living in the “Ivory Tower” and not troubling their mind with realities and apart from my association with political movements in my juvenile years, I had
lived in ivory tower up to 1930” - Meghnad Saha
“Scientists are often accused of living in the “Ivory Tower” and not troubling their mind with realities and apart from my association with political movements in my juvenile years, I had
lived in ivory tower up to 1930” - Meghnad Saha