Monday, November 30, 2020
Biography of Rajeshwari Chatterjee
Rajeshwari Chatterjee (24 January 1922 – 3 September 2010) was an eminent Indian electrical engineer and the first woman engineer from Karnataka, India. She made significant contributions to the fields of microwave engineering and antenna theory and played a pioneering role in the advancement of education and research in engineering for women in India. Here is an overview of her life and achievements:
Early Life and Education of Rajeshwari Chatterjee:
Rajeshwari Chatterjee was born in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. She pursued her Bachelor of Science degree from Bangalore University and later earned her Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical Communication Engineering from the Government Engineering College, Kozhikode (now part of the National Institute of Technology Calicut).
Educational and Professional Achievements:
1. Doctorate and Research: Chatterjee went on to complete her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, in 1953. Her doctoral research focused on microwave engineering, and she made significant contributions to the field.
2. Academic Career: Chatterjee joined the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) as a faculty member and served there for several decades. She later became a professor at the Department of Electrical Communication Engineering.
3. Research and Publications: Chatterjee was renowned for her research in microwave engineering, particularly in the areas of microwave tubes, microwave measurements, and antenna theory. She authored numerous research papers and articles in reputed scientific journals.
4. Awards and Recognition: Chatterjee received several awards and honors during her lifetime, including the Sir C. V. Raman Award for Young Scientists by the Government of Karnataka.
Rajeshwari Chatterjee contributions to Women in Engineering:
Rajeshwari Chatterjee was a trailblazer for women in engineering in India. She actively encouraged and mentored young women pursuing engineering education. Her dedication to promoting education and research opportunities for women in the field of engineering inspired generations of female engineers.
Legacy:
Rajeshwari Chatterjee's legacy lives on through her contributions to microwave engineering, her advocacy for women in science and engineering, and her role as a pioneering female scientist in India. The Rajeshwari Chatterjee Memorial Lecture is conducted annually by the IEEE Bangalore Section to honor her memory and contributions to the field of engineering.
She passed away on 3 September 2010, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in engineering and a commitment to empowering women in the field.