Jagadish Chandra Bose (November 30, 1858 – November 23, 1937) was a renowned Indian physicist, biologist, biophysicist, and polymath who made significant contributions to the fields of physics and biology. Here is a detailed biography of Jagadish Chandra Bose:
Early Life and Education (1858–1884):
- Birth and Family: Jagadish Chandra Bose was born on November 30, 1858, in Mymensingh, Bengal (present-day Bangladesh). His father, Bhagawan Chandra Bose, was a civil servant.
- Education in Calcutta (Kolkata): Bose began his education at the Hare School in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and later attended St. Xavier’s College. He excelled in academics and pursued his interest in natural sciences.
- Education in England: In 1880, Bose traveled to England for higher studies. He enrolled at Christ’s College, Cambridge, and earned a degree in Natural Sciences. He later pursued further studies at the University of London.
Academic Career and Scientific Contributions (1885–1915):
- Return to India: In 1885, Bose returned to India and began his career as a professor of physical science at the Presidency College in Calcutta.
- Research in Microwaves: Bose conducted pioneering research in the field of microwaves. In 1895, he demonstrated the generation and reception of radio waves, predating the work of Guglielmo Marconi.
- Invention of the Crescograph: In 1901, Bose invented the crescograph, a device that could measure plant growth. This innovation helped him study the responses of plants to various stimuli.
- Contributions to Biophysics: Bose’s work in biophysics included the study of plant physiology, demonstrating that plants exhibit similar responses to stimuli as animals. He published the book “Response in the Living and Non-Living” in 1902.
- Recognition in the West: Bose’s contributions to science gained recognition in the West, and he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1920.
Educational and Social Initiatives (1915–1937):
- Bose Institute: In 1917, Bose founded the Bose Research Institute (now Bose Institute) in Calcutta, dedicated to research in various scientific disciplines.
- Philanthropy and Social Causes: Bose was involved in philanthropy and social causes. He supported education and made significant contributions to educational institutions.
- Death: Jagadish Chandra Bose passed away on November 23, 1937, in Giridih, Bihar, British India (now in Jharkhand, India), a few days before his 79th birthday.
Legacy:
- Bose–Einstein Statistics: Bose’s work on statistical mechanics influenced Albert Einstein, who developed Bose–Einstein statistics. This laid the foundation for the theory of the Bose–Einstein condensate.
- Recognition and Honors: Bose received several honors during his lifetime, including a knighthood in 1917, becoming Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose. Posthumously, the Bose–Einstein Statistics and the Bose–Einstein Condensate were named in his honor.
- Bose Institute: The Bose Institute in Kolkata, founded by Bose, continues to be a prominent center for research in the physical and biological sciences.
- National Science Day: In India, National Science Day is celebrated on February 28th each year, marking the anniversary of Bose’s discovery of the wireless transmission of radio waves.
Jagadish Chandra Bose’s contributions to physics, biology, and science education have left an indelible mark. His innovative research, pioneering inventions, and commitment to scientific inquiry have inspired generations of scientists in India and around the world.
