SIR C V RAMAN AT LOVEDALE

SIR C V RAMAN AT LOVEDALE

Did you know the Science Society in our School was inaugurated by one of the most famous scientists of his time in the world? 

On October 17, 1950 the staff and students of The Lawrence School, Lovedale had the pleasure of interacting with Nobel laureate Sir C Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (1888-1970) when he visited Lovedale. 

The story of how he was fascinated by the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea on his voyage from England in 1921 is too well known to be recounted here. This, of course, led him to an important scientific discovery 

He was elected to the Royal Society of Science in 1924. In 1928 he discovered what came to be known as The Raman Effect and became the first Asian and non-white to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1930. He was knighted in 1931.

In his speech at Lovedale, he told the students, “In this place you enjoy remarkable privileges, which are denied to people elsewhere. The first requisite for the pursuit of science is a good body. Lovedale has a very bracing climate, which is best suited for physical activities. The one day that I have spent here has made me much younger than what I am.  I was very much impressed by your physical display yesterday. At this juncture let me point out that physical activity is not a contradiction to intellectual activity, as some people take it to be.

It is extremely fortunate for you that your school should be on the Nilgiris, which I call the charming Face of Nature. It calls for love and devotion. Science is not to be found in books and in laboratories. You find time for scientific study. Inspiration comes first-hand from nature. It is rather unfortunate that the Universities try to convey a different idea about science.

I am happy to find that you are entering into the realms of Science when you are quite young. The History of Science has shown the use of being youthful. In fact, if a man does not accomplish something before he is forty, the chances of his achieving something later on are very little. The desire to see, enquire is manifested in the youth. The mind, heart and outlook should be youthful for scientific pursuits. That is the spirit of Science. If you maintain the freshness and enthusiasm that you possess now for ever, you can go far into the realms of Science.”

The staff and students at Lovedale - like millions of Indians- rejoiced when Sir C V Raman was awarded India's highest civilian honour- the Bharat Ratna in 1954. 

This video from Doordarshan archives gives insights into Sir C V Raman's love for nature, and his philosophy and approach towards science. 

Sir C V Raman was a great teacher and visionary. He was lauded for his simplicity and deep understanding of human nature. 

I believe some of his quotes have as much relevance now- 50 years after  his death- as they did when he first pronounced them. 

"Ask the right questions and nature will open the doors to her secrets"

"You can't always choose what comes into your life but you can learn what lessons they teach you"

"Success can come to you by courageous devotion to the task lying in front of you."