Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Biography of Daulat Singh Kothari:
Daulat Singh Kothari (9 July 1905 – 26 January 1993) was an eminent Indian physicist and a key figure in the field of scientific research and education. Here is an overview of his life and contributions:
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| Biography of Daulat Singh Kothari |
Early Life and Education:
1. Birth and Family: Daulat Singh Kothari was born on 9 July 1905 in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.
2. Education: He earned his Bachelor's degree from Bombay University and went on to complete his Master's degree in Physics from Cambridge University in the United Kingdom.
Academic Career of Daulat Singh Kothari:
1. Return to India: After completing his studies abroad, Kothari returned to India and joined the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore.
2. Professorship: He became a professor at the Benaras Hindu University (BHU) and later at the University of Rajasthan.
3. Research and Publications: Kothari made significant contributions to theoretical physics, particularly in the field of cosmic rays. He authored numerous research papers and articles.
Scientific Achievements:
1. Cosmic Rays: Daulat Singh Kothari conducted pioneering research on cosmic rays, contributing to the understanding of these high-energy particles originating from space.
2. Kothari Commission: He chaired the Kothari Commission in 1964, which played a crucial role in shaping the education policy in India. The commission's recommendations led to important reforms in the education system.
Government Positions:
1. Scientific Advisor: Kothari served as the Scientific Advisor to the Ministry of Defence and was involved in the planning and development of India's defense capabilities.
2. Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO): He played a significant role in the establishment of ISRO and served as its Vice-Chairman.
Honors and Recognition to Daulat Singh Kothari:
1. Padma Bhushan: Daulat Singh Kothari was honored with the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 1962.
2. Other Recognitions: He received numerous other awards and honors for his contributions to science and education.
Later Years:
1. Retirement: After an illustrious career, Kothari retired from active academic and administrative roles.
2. Death: Daulat Singh Kothari passed away on 26 January 1993.
Legacy:
1. Educational Reforms: Kothari's contributions to educational policy and reform, as seen in the Kothari Commission's recommendations, had a lasting impact on the Indian education system.
2. Scientific Legacy: His work in the field of cosmic rays and his role in the development of scientific institutions in India contribute to his legacy in the scientific community.
Daulat Singh Kothari's multifaceted contributions, spanning physics, education policy, and scientific administration, have left an indelible mark on the scientific and educational landscape of India. His dedication to research, teaching, and institution-building has made him a revered figure in Indian science and education.