Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar
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Bhatnagar on a 1994 stamp of India
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| Born | 21 February 1894 |
| Died | 1 January 1955 (aged 60) New Delhi, India
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| Nationality | Indian |
| Alma mater | University of the Punjab University College London |
| Known for | CSIR India |
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| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Physical chemistry Colloid chemistry |
| Institutions | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Banaras Hindu University |
| Thesis | Solubilities of bi- and trivalent salts of higher fatty acids in oils and their effect on surface tension of oils |
| Doctoral advisor | Frederick G. Donnan |
Sir Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar (born February 21, 1894 – died January 1, 1955) was a brilliant Indian scientist. He was a colloid chemist, which means he studied tiny particles mixed in liquids. He also worked as a professor and helped manage scientific organizations.
He is often called the "father of research laboratories" in India. This is because he was the very first director-general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). He also led the University Grants Commission (UGC). To honor his amazing work, the CSIR created the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology. This award celebrates scientists who make important discoveries in India.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar was born in a place called Bhera in British India. His father passed away when he was a baby. He grew up with his grandfather, who was an engineer. His grandfather helped him love science and engineering from a young age.
He enjoyed making things like mechanical toys, electric batteries, and even string telephones. He also had a talent for poetry. He went to school in Sikandrabad and later joined Dayal Singh College, Lahore. There, he became a good actor and writer. He even won an award for a play he wrote! He earned his science degrees from the University of the Punjab.
Studying Abroad and Early Career
Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar received a scholarship to study science in England. He joined University College London and earned his advanced science degree in 1921. While studying, he received support from the British government for his research.
After returning to India in 1921, he became a chemistry professor at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). He even wrote the university's special song, the Kulgeet. Later, he moved to the University of the Punjab in Lahore. This was a very active time for his scientific work.
Key Research Areas
His research focused on emulsions (like oil and water mixed together) and colloids (tiny particles spread through another substance). But his most important work was in magneto-chemistry. This field uses magnetism to study how chemicals react.
In 1928, he and K.N. Mathur created a special tool. It was called the Bhatnagar-Mathur Magnetic Interference Balance. This tool was very sensitive and could measure magnetic properties. It was even shown at a famous science event in London in 1931.
Solving Industrial Problems
Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar was great at solving real-world problems for industries. One of his first tasks was to find a way to turn bagasse (sugarcane waste) into food for cattle.
He also helped many companies with their challenges. One big problem was for the Attock Oil Company. When they drilled for crude oil, the mud they used would harden when it touched salty water. This would block the drill holes.
The Oil Drilling Solution
Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar used his knowledge of colloidal chemistry to solve this. He added a special Indian gum to the mud. This gum made the mud thinner and stopped it from clumping up when it met salt water.
The oil company was so impressed that they offered him a large sum of money for more research on petroleum. He made sure this money went to the university. It helped set up a new Department of Petroleum Research. This department studied things like making waxes smell better and improving kerosene lamps.
Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar never took any of the research money for himself. He always wanted to use it to make the university's research facilities better.
Building India's Science Future
Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar played a huge role in setting up India's scientific organizations.
Creating CSIR
Before CSIR, there was a small research group called the Industrial Intelligence and Research Bureau. It didn't have much money or power. In 1940, a new group called the Board of Scientific and Industrial Research (BSIR) was formed. Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar was chosen as its director.
He worked hard to convince the government to invest more in science. This led to the creation of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in 1942. CSIR became an important independent body for science in India.
In 1943, Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar proposed building five national laboratories. These included the National Chemical Laboratory and the National Physical Laboratory. This was the start of many important scientific labs across India.
Later Contributions and Legacy
After India became independent in 1947, Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar continued to shape the country's science and technology. He worked closely with Prime Minister Nehru, who believed strongly in scientific progress.
He became the first Director-General of the CSIR. He is remembered for setting up many chemical and other laboratories. He helped establish twelve national labs, including:
- Central Food Processing Technological Institute in Mysore
- National Chemical Laboratory in Pune
- National Physical Laboratory in New Delhi
- National Metallurgical Laboratory in Jamshedpur
- Central Fuel Institute in Dhanbad
He also helped guide many young scientists. He served as a Secretary in the Ministry of Education. He helped create the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) of India. This organization helps turn research ideas into useful products. He also helped start oil refineries in India.
Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar passed away on January 1, 1955, at the age of 60.
Honours and Awards
Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar received many important awards and recognitions for his work:
- He was chosen as one of the first Fellows of the Indian Academy of Sciences in 1934.
- He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1936.
- The British government made him a Knight in 1941 for his contributions to science.
- He became a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in 1943, which is a very high honor for scientists.
- In independent India, he led the Indian Chemical Society and the Indian National Science Congress.
- The government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan in 1954, one of India's highest civilian awards.
Today, the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology continues to honor his name. It is given to outstanding Indian scientists every year.
