First Female Scientist in India, Know the Name

India, a land known for its rich cultural heritage and intellectual prowess, has witnessed numerous trailblazers who have left an indelible mark on various fields. Among them, the realm of science stands tall, and one individual, in particular, emerges as a beacon of inspiration – the first woman scientist in India. In a society where gender roles often dictated traditional pathways, her journey embodies resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge.

First Female Scientist in India – Name

In the annals of Indian science, Kamala Sohonie stands as the first female scientist in India, breaking barriers and paving the way for generations of female scientists to come. Her indomitable spirit, groundbreaking research, and unwavering dedication to her craft have left an indelible mark on the scientific landscape of India.

First Woman Scientist of India – Key Details

Name: Kamala Sohonie

Date of birth: 18 June 1991

Birthplace: Indore, Indore State, British India

Known for: First female Scientist in India

Field: Biochemistry scientist

Death: 28th June 1998

Place of death: New Delhi, India

India’s First Woman Scientist – Early Life and Education

Kamala Sohonie, born on June 18, 1911, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, hailed from a family deeply rooted in scientific traditions. Both her father, Narayanarao Bhagvat, and her uncle, Madhavrao Bhagvat, were chemists and alumni of the Tata Institute of Sciences, later known as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru. In 1933, Kamala graduated from Bombay University with a BSc degree in Chemistry and Physics.

India’s First Female Scientist – Career and Research

• Mentored by Sri Srinivasayya at IISc, Kamala researched proteins in milk, pulses, and legumes.
• Influenced Raman to admit women at IISc after completing her MSc with distinction in 1936.
• Studied at Cambridge University under Dr. Derek Richter, discovering the enzyme ‘Cytochrome C’ from potato research.
• Returned to India in 1939, appointed Professor and Head of Biochemistry at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi.
• Worked at Nutrition Research Laboratory, Coonoor, focusing on vitamin effects.
• Married M.V. Sohonie in 1947 and joined the Royal Institute of Science as Professor, tackling nutritional aspects of legumes.
• Gender bias delayed her appointment as Director by 4 years.
• Researched ‘Neera’ on Rajendra Prasad’s suggestion, finding it rich in Vitamin A, C, and iron.
• Neera inclusion in diets of malnourished led to health improvements, earning her the Rashtrapati Award.

First Woman Scientist of India – Legacy and Recognition

An active member of the Consumer Guidance Society of India (CGSI), Kamala served as its President from 1982 to 1983. She authored articles on consumer safety for the organizational magazine ‘Keemat.’ Kamala Sohonie’s contributions to science and society were recognized with the Rashtrapati Award for her work on Neera. She passed away in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and scientific excellence.