✍ Smt. Sujata
Kariamanikkam Srinivasa Krishnan (KSK), is one of India’s most important but often overlooked scientists. He is best known for working with his mentor, Sir C.V. Raman, to discover the Raman Effect. However, KSK’s contributions go beyond this famous discovery. His life serves as a reminder of the value of intellectual integrity, humility, and the power of using knowledge for the service of the nation.
In this article, we trace the footsteps of K.S.Krishnan and explore the many facets of this extraordinary man.
Early Life and Inspiration
Born on December 4, 1898, in Watrap, Tamil Nadu, Krishnan’s father, Srinivasa Iyengar, was a Brahmin farmer-scholar who was well-versed in religious literature, and his mother Nachiyar Ammal, managed the family’s social and domestic duties. Growing up in a family with strong religious and scholarly traditions, Krishnan developed a deep love for religion, philosophy, and a thorough knowledge of Tamil and Sanskrit literature.
His initial schooling at the Hindu High School in Srivilliputtur laid the foundation for his scientific curiosity. Recalling his formative years, KSK once stated, “My first love for science came in my fourth form (Class 9). My teacher made science captivating by teaching in a clear and demonstrative manner.”
His keen intellect and passion for learning led him to complete higher studies at the American College, Madurai, and later join Madras Christian College. It was here that Krishnan developed a strong foundation in experimental physics, a discipline that would later define his career, under the mentorship of Nobel Laureate Dr. William Henry Bragg.
Krishnan excelled in Physics and Chemistry, winning the annual Aberdeen Prize for Physics, but failed the English exam, that prevented him from formally receiving his BA degree when he appeared for his final exams in 1918.
Role as an Educator
He earned a job of a Demonstrator in Chemistry at the college in the same year. While there, KSK organized informal lunchtime discussions on science and mathematics, a practice that drew students from neighboring institutions and underscored his knack for teaching. A student once remarked that they learned more physics during KSK’s sessions than from formal classroom lectures.
As a teacher, Krishnan was known for his clarity of thoughts and ability to simplify complex scientific ideas. His approach to teaching emphasized curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on experimentation.
Collaboration with C.V.Raman
Krishnan kept himself updated on research works done in the field of science by visiting the library and reading journals. He was particularly impressed and fascinated by C.V.Raman’s work and fame and aspired to work under his supervision. In 1920, He sought admission at Calcutta University to pursue M.Sc Physics and got trained in different disciplines of Physics and Mathematics.He later joined Raman’s team as a research scholar officially in 1923.
The Raman Effect
The partially equipped lab of the University of Science, encouraged students to brainstorm and design experiments independently, providing early exposure to experimental physics, creating an ideal learning environment.
Under Raman’s mentorship, he worked tirelessly, often beginning his laboratory sessions at dawn. Together, they explored the scattering of light in various liquids, leading to the groundbreaking discovery of the Raman Effect – a phenomenon describing the change in the wavelength of light when it is deflected by molecules in 1928.
Krishnan played a crucial role in this discovery. His experimental skill and analytical insights were instrumental in isolating and understanding the scattering phenomena that formed the basis of the Raman Effect. During his Nobel lecture, at Stockholm on 11th December 1930, Raman himself acknowledged Krishnan’s pivotal role in their groundbreaking work, which earned Raman the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
Several contemporaries believed that Krishnan’s contributions were equally deserving of recognition. Despite the disappointment, Krishnan never expressed bitterness. Instead, he celebrated Raman’s achievement and continued his work with undiminished enthusiasm. His grace and humility in the face of this omission earned him widespread admiration.
An Example of the Gita’s Wisdom
As Bhagavad Gita particularly emphasizes focusing on one’s action rather than the results, Krishnan’s work, especially in his collaboration with Sir C.V. Raman in discovering the Raman Effect, was driven by a commitment to science and national progress, rather than seeking personal fame or recognition. Despite his significant contributions, he did not receive the same recognition as Raman, yet he continued his work with dedication and humility. Krishnan’s life embodies the Gita’s teachings, showing that true fulfillment comes from focusing on the action itself and its impact, rather than on external rewards.
Beyond the Raman Effect-Scientific Contributions
KSK’s contributions were not confined to the Raman Effect. After moving to Dacca University in 1928, he embarked on pioneering research into the magnetic properties of crystals, laying the foundation for modern crystal magnetism and magneto-chemistry. His meticulous experimental techniques became a benchmark for future studies.
Later, at Allahabad University and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), KSK expanded his research into the physics of solids, thermal conductivity, and thermionics. His breadth of expertise and ability to interlink diverse phenomena earned him international acclaim.
Legacy and Honors
KSK’s contributions to science and nation-building earned him numerous accolades. He was knighted in 1946, elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1940, and received the Padma Bhushan in 1954.He also received the Bhatnagar Memorial award in 1958. His leadership extended to organizations like the Indian Science Congress, the International Union of Crystallography, and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Conclusion
Krishnan was often described as a “whole man with an integrated personality.” His blend of scientific rigor, literary flair, and philosophical depth made him a unique figure in the history of Indian science. KSK stands tall—not just as a co-discoverer of the Raman Effect, but as a visionary whose life serves as a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge, when guided by humility and purpose, transcends boundaries and leaves a legacy that enriches humanity.
(Author is Editor of Vidya Vani E-magazine of Vidya Bharati Tamil Nadu.)
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