Kamala Sohonie: The First Indian Woman to Pursue a Ph.D. in Science

Google Doodle: Google Pays Tribute to Indian Biochemist Dr. Kamala Sohoni on her 112th Birth Anniversary

Google has honored Indian biochemist Dr. Kamala Sohonie on her 112th birth anniversary through a special Google Doodle. Dr. Sohoni played a pivotal role in paving the way for women in the field of science.

Google has honored Dr. Kamala Sohonie, an Indian biochemist, on her 112th birth anniversary through a colorful animated depiction in the form of a Google Doodle. The doodle showcases microscopic views, scientific slides, and images of the surrounding flora, highlighting her contributions to the field of science. Google Doodle celebrates her life and achievements.

Let’s learn more about Kamala Sohonie…

She had born on this day in 1911 in Indore of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Sohonie hailed from a family of esteemed chemists. With a strong determination to follow in her father and uncle’s footsteps, she pursued her studies in chemistry and physics at the University of Bombay. Dr. Kamala Sohoni became the first Indian woman to gain admission to the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore, regarded as the country’s premier institution.

The First Indian Woman to Earn a Ph.D.

Sohoni, the first Indian woman to earn a Ph.D., was born on this day in 1911 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. She studied Chemistry and Physics at the University of Bombay, topped her class in 1933, and received her Bachelor’s degree. She then pursued further studies in science and gained admission to the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore. Despite facing numerous challenges during that time and the conditions set by the institution’s directors, she never gave up and became the first Indian woman to secure admission to an Indian scientific institute. In addition to this accomplishment, Kamla Sohonie was also the first Indian woman to earn a Ph.D.

Celebrating her notable contributions and achievements in Indian science, Google wrote, “Today’s doodle celebrates Indian biochemist Kamala Sohoni, the first Indian woman to earn a Ph.D. in a scientific discipline, who paved the way for women to pursue degrees in STEM.”

Dr. Kamala Sohonie emerged as a trailblazer for all women in India and made significant strides in combating gender biases in the field of science. While her admission to IISc Bangalore was initially met with skepticism due to her being a woman, she later embarked on researching how various proteins in fruits can provide nourishment to children.

Dr. Kamala Sohonie’s breakthrough involved utilizing the sap from the toddy palm tree to develop an affordable dietary and nutritional supplement. This beverage, known as “neera,” was rich in Vitamin C and other nutrients, serving as a source of nourishment for pregnant women and malnourished children.

Her pioneering work continues to inspire generations, and Google’s commemoration through the Google Doodle pays tribute to her remarkable life and contributions to the field of science.

Dr. Sohonie’s Achievements

Dr. Sohonie also secured a research scholarship at the University of Cambridge. She conducted significant research on the enzyme cytochrome C, which is involved in energy production, and discovered its presence in all plant cells. In just 14 months, she completed her thesis on this discovery and obtained her Ph.D. When she returned to India, Dr. Sohoni continued studying the benefits of certain food substances and contributed to the development of an affordable dietary supplement made from palm sap called “neera.” This nutritious beverage, rich in vitamin C, proved beneficial for undernourished children and pregnant women’s health.

Dr. Sohoni was honored with the Presidential Award for her work on “neera.” She also became the first female director of the Royal Institute of Science in Bombay.