Kamala Sohonie

Biochemist

Indian Indore, Indore State, British India

Quick Info

ProfessionBiochemist
NationalityIndian
Date of Birth18/06/1911
Age87 years (died on 28, Jun, 1998)
BirthplaceIndore, Indore State, British India
Date of Death28/06/1998

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Bio/Wiki

Birth nameBhagvat
Famous forBeing the first Indian woman to earn a Ph.D. in a science field.

Physical Stats & More

Eye ColorBlack
Hair ColorBlack

Educational Qualification(s)

College/University
  • Bombay University (1933)
  • Indian Institute of Science
  • Newnham College, University of Cambridge
Educational Qualification
  • B.Sc. degree in Chemistry and Physics (1933)
  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry
  • B.Sc. degree in Chemistry (principal) and Physics (subsidiary) (1933)
  • M.Sc. in Biochemistry
  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Cambridge University (1939)

Personal Life

Marital Status (at the time of death)Married
Marriage Date1947

Family

HusbandM.V. Sohonie (Actuary)
Children2
Parents
FatherNarayanarao Bhagvat (Chemist)
UncleMadhavrao Bhagvat (Chemist)

Career

AwardsRashtrapati Award for her research on Neera (palm nectar)
Positions Held
  • Research Fellow at Indian Institute of Science (1933-1937)
  • Research Scholar at Cambridge University (1937-1939)
  • Professor and Head of Biochemistry Department at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi (1939)
  • Researcher at Nutrition Research Laboratory, Coonoor
  • Professor of Biochemistry at Royal Institute of Science, Mumbai (post-1947)
Research FocusNutritional aspects of legumes, proteins in food items, enzyme function (Cytochrome C), nutrition for underprivileged communities

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Kamala Sohonie, an Indian biochemist, was the first Indian woman to earn a Ph.D. in science.
2. Initially rejected by the Indian Institute of Science, she was later admitted after protesting peacefully outside Prof. C V Ramanโ€™s office.
3. Her uncle and father were both chemists at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru.
4. Studying in the UK, she made a significant discovery about the enzyme 'Cytochrome C' at Cambridge University.
5. She held prominent positions, focusing on nutrition research and aiding underprivileged communities in India.
6. Recommended by President Rajendra Prasad, Kamala investigated 'Neera,' a nutrient-rich sap from toddy palms.
7. Apart from her scientific endeavors, she was involved in consumer rights advocacy in India.
8. Kamala aimed to improve the health of underprivileged communities in India through her research.
9. She remained connected to India's national ethos, supporting Gandhi and the freedom movement.
10. An accomplished science communicator, she authored books and was known for her passion for science.
11. During her studies, she received prestigious scholarships and collaborated with esteemed scientists.
12. Her Ph.D. thesis was completed in a remarkably short time of 14 months.
13. Many of her research supporters became respected scientists themselves.
14. Facing gender prejudices, Kamala overcame career obstacles and eventually became the Institute's Director.
15. Dr. Satyavati organized a special event to honor Kamala's achievements in New Delhi.
16. Kamala Sohonie was the first Indian woman to earn a Ph.D. in science.
17. Initially rejected by the Indian Institute of Science by Nobel Laureate C.V. Raman on grounds that women were not competent enough for research, she was later admitted in 1933 after agreeing to his conditions.
18. At Cambridge University under Nobel Laureate Derek Richter, she made significant discoveries about the enzyme Cytochrome C and its role in plant cell respiration and energy production.
19. She conducted important research on three groups of food items consumed by financially disadvantaged sections of people in India.
20. Her work on Neera, a nutrient-rich palm nectar, demonstrated significant benefits for malnourished children and pregnant women.
21. Her appointment to the position of Director at the Royal Institute of Science was believed to have been delayed by 4 years due to gender bias in the scientific community.
22. She paved the way for women to be accepted into the Indian Institute of Science for the first time in its history.
23. An accomplished researcher, she authored scientific papers on the effects of vitamins and nutritional aspects of food.
24. Her Ph.D. thesis was completed in approximately 14 months.
25. Despite facing significant gender prejudices, she overcame career obstacles and became a respected scientist and educator.
26. She remained dedicated to applying her scientific knowledge to improve public health and the lives of underprivileged communities.
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