Known to have a huge part in the construction of research laboratories in India, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar is known as the ‘father of science and technology’. He had made several contributions in the field of chemical sciences with areas such as emulsions and industrial chemistry as his forte.
Today, we take you through some facts about the life of Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar
- Born on February 21, 1894 in Shahpur District, (now in Pakistan), British India
- He was barely eight months old when his father Parmeshwari Sahai Bhatnagar passed away.
- Bhatnagar spent his early days with his maternal grandfather, who was an engineer. It was his grandfather through whom he developed a liking for science and engineering. He also learned the fundamental concepts of algebra and geometry at an early age.
- He received his early education from DAV High School Sikandarabad, following which he attended the Dayal Singh College, Lahore
- He later completed graduation with Physics major and an MSc in chemistry from the Forman Christian College.
- He was awarded a scholarship by the Dayal Singh College Trust, following which he earned a degree from London University under professor Frederick G Donnan.
- He joined Banaras Hindu University and worked as a professor of chemistry.
- He has several firsts to his name, he was the first director-General of CSIR and was also the First Chairman of UGC
- Known for formulating India’s science policies after Independence
Awards
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire
- Knighted by the British government
- Elected as a member of Royal Society, United Kingdom
- Honored with the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India
- The ‘Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology’, named in his honor, is awarded to outstanding scientists
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