Interesting Incidents in the life of Great Indian Men- 22 : Homi J Bhabha
2. Homi J. Bhabha
1. Education and Early Life
Homi J. Bhabha, often regarded as the father of India's nuclear energy initiatives, was born on October 30, 1909, into a wealthy Parsi family in Bombay. His father, Jehangir Hormez Bhabha, encouraged his academic pursuits. Bhabha began his education at the Cathedral School in Bombay and later attended Elphinstone College. Although his father and uncle wanted him to study engineering and eventually join the Tata Iron and Steel Company, his interests soon shifted to physics.
In 1927, he enrolled in the University of Cambridge to study mechanical engineering. During his time there, he also pursued his passion for theoretical physics and nuclear energy, coming into contact with the prominent physicist Paul Dirac. After completing his engineering degree, he furthered his studies in mathematics and physics, earning a degree in mathematics in 1932 and a PhD in nuclear physics in 1934.
2. Major Achievements
Bhabha's ground-breaking paper, Absorption of Cosmic Radiation, earned him a prestigious three-year Isaac Newton Scholarship, allowing him to conduct research under Nobel laureate Niels Bohr in Copenhagen. By 1935–36, he had published several fundamental papers on cosmic radiation.
Returning to India in 1939 at the onset of World War II, Bhabha began nuclear research by setting up a laboratory for cosmic studies at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1941 and, in 1945, established the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Bombay, serving as its director. Bhabha's close friendship with India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, facilitated his ambitious vision for scientific research in the country.
In 1948, Bhabha became the first Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India. Under his leadership, India built its first nuclear reactor in 1956, initiating efforts to develop atomic weapons. He represented India at the 1955 United Nations Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy, advocating the use of the country's thorium reserves, which were abundant compared to its limited uranium resources. Bhabha emphasized that thorium should power India's nuclear energy programs.
Bhabha was widely honoured for his contributions, receiving awards from numerous institutions. In 1954, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Indian government. The process of electron-positron scattering is named the Bhabha Scattering in his honour.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bhabha had a zest for life. He remained single and indulged in painting, classical music, and botany. Known for his impeccable style, he balanced his rigorous work life with an appreciation for art and culture. Tragically, he died under mysterious circumstances at the age of 56 in a plane crash on Mont Blanc, Switzerland, in 1966. Speculations about foul play, including involvement by an American spy agency, have persisted.
3. Interesting Facts
1.??? A Sleepless Prodig
As a child, Bhabha slept very little, prompting his parents to consult doctors, who attributed this to his highly active brain.
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2.??? Dedication to India
Despite being offered lucrative opportunities abroad, Bhabha chose to return to India, where he joined the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore and established a department dedicated to cosmic ray research.
3.??? Visionary Contributions
Bhabha laid the groundwork for nuclear energy research in India. Turning down an offer from Oxford University, he worked with the Tata Trust to establish the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, which became a model for research institutions across India. He foresaw India's future reliance on nuclear power and initiated the construction of several reactors, including Tarapur, Rana Pratap Sagar, and Kalpakkam.
4. Nuclear Power Reactors
At the 1955 Geneva Conference, Bhabha began efforts to establish India's first nuclear power reactor with Canadian assistance. With Nehru’s approval, the reactor was built, followed by other notable reactors like Apsara, Cyrus, and Sarena. These advancements greatly enhanced India's electricity generation capabilities.
Bhabha’s team-building skills were unparalleled; he carefully selected and mentored young scientists, instilling in them discipline and sincerity. His efforts bore fruit when, on May 18, 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test in Pokhran, Rajasthan, cementing its position as a nuclear power. This success was largely attributed to Bhabha's vision and leadership.
Despite being invited to join the Union Cabinet, Bhabha declined, choosing instead to focus on his scientific endeavors.
References: (1)htttps://www.famousscientists.org/homi-jehangir-bhabha/
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