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Homi J Bhabha: A Renaissance Man among Scientists
Homi Jehangir Bhabha was a nuclear physicist who pioneered the Indian nuclear research programme. Often hailed as the father of India's nuclear power project, his ambition, farsightedness and enterprise shaped the development of modern science in India. Understanding the need for achieving self-reliance, he laid the framework for nuclear research in India by founding the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET), later renamed Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) in his honour. Bhabha achieved international prominence for his trailblazing studies in the field of Atomic Energy, while his role of scientist-diplomat, handled with aplomb, gained worldwide recognition in the global arena.
This compelling monograph brings to light the life and times of Homi Jehangir Bhabha. It outlines the story of his life, his early work on cosmic rays which remained a lifelong obsession, his struggles to translate theories into experiments, and his achievements. This deeply evocative work portrays Bhabha's visionary foresight in anticipating the urgent need for high-quality facilities in India to pursue research on nuclear energy. It also speaks of his passionate interest in art and architecture, drawing and painting, and his love for classical music, which made him stand out as a renaissance man among scientists.
Comprehensive and reflective, this monograph encapsulates Bhabha's vision for India and sheds light on his rich legacy. His legendary leadership in organizing scientific research in India, his drive and passion continue to inspire generations of students in India.
This book is a part of the series - Pioneers of Modern India. Other books in the series: a) Charu Majumdar, b) Heisnam Sabitri, c) RK Laxman & d) Jamini Roy
This compelling monograph brings to light the life and times of Homi Jehangir Bhabha. It outlines the story of his life, his early work on cosmic rays which remained a lifelong obsession, his struggles to translate theories into experiments, and his achievements. This deeply evocative work portrays Bhabha's visionary foresight in anticipating the urgent need for high-quality facilities in India to pursue research on nuclear energy. It also speaks of his passionate interest in art and architecture, drawing and painting, and his love for classical music, which made him stand out as a renaissance man among scientists.
Comprehensive and reflective, this monograph encapsulates Bhabha's vision for India and sheds light on his rich legacy. His legendary leadership in organizing scientific research in India, his drive and passion continue to inspire generations of students in India.
This book is a part of the series - Pioneers of Modern India. Other books in the series: a) Charu Majumdar, b) Heisnam Sabitri, c) RK Laxman & d) Jamini Roy
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 21, 2023
Best I could have got on any scientists, in addition to the books on APJ Abdul Kalam Sahab. This is too good a novel to read and knowing facts about this legend who paved the path for India in the field of scientific researches and theoretical experiments.
Dr. Bhabha is not just a scientist but a complete revolutionist. He did not just fought and stood firm for his experiments but to train the fellow scientists for the betterment of country & to utilise his researches practically in daily lives of common man. His vision was not for the India to just learn about Astrophysics & Nuclear science (He is credited with title "father of the Indian nuclear programme") only but also to improvise the country's economical condition & to provide her diplomatic growth and stability.
He had longed obsession for cosmic rays and he, till his last time, even after completing lot more other projects say nuclear power, scientific trainings, building scientific institute; continuously engaged in research and development in the former field.
This is his legacy, that even now, India is consistently improving in the sectors he left behind. All major institutes like TIFR, IISc, BARC [earlier Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET)] were founded by him only. For the India's growth he went far to even Prime Minister and even fought (verbal harsh talks) with him on many occasions where he came out to be succeeded as even then PM JLN was so much fond of him and his works (specially his fair character). They were both like brothers, so all talks even when there were heated conversations, were so casual and informal.
He created 'nth' numbers of scientists and also collected the scattered talents of the Mother India from different parts of the world, inspire them and make them work in the growth of the nation. It is only his aplomb that whenever it came to discuss any scientific matter within country or on international levels, he was the prime most personnel to be involved from India as representative.
I believed the famous TV Series 'Rocket Boys' inspired from this book only, as the collectives depicted in that series were exact excerpts from the Dr. Bhabha's life and work which were written gradatim in this book by Biman Nath. His habit of trailblazing made him the epitome in his field.
My amazon.in reviews
Dr. Bhabha is not just a scientist but a complete revolutionist. He did not just fought and stood firm for his experiments but to train the fellow scientists for the betterment of country & to utilise his researches practically in daily lives of common man. His vision was not for the India to just learn about Astrophysics & Nuclear science (He is credited with title "father of the Indian nuclear programme") only but also to improvise the country's economical condition & to provide her diplomatic growth and stability.
He had longed obsession for cosmic rays and he, till his last time, even after completing lot more other projects say nuclear power, scientific trainings, building scientific institute; continuously engaged in research and development in the former field.
This is his legacy, that even now, India is consistently improving in the sectors he left behind. All major institutes like TIFR, IISc, BARC [earlier Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET)] were founded by him only. For the India's growth he went far to even Prime Minister and even fought (verbal harsh talks) with him on many occasions where he came out to be succeeded as even then PM JLN was so much fond of him and his works (specially his fair character). They were both like brothers, so all talks even when there were heated conversations, were so casual and informal.
He created 'nth' numbers of scientists and also collected the scattered talents of the Mother India from different parts of the world, inspire them and make them work in the growth of the nation. It is only his aplomb that whenever it came to discuss any scientific matter within country or on international levels, he was the prime most personnel to be involved from India as representative.
I believed the famous TV Series 'Rocket Boys' inspired from this book only, as the collectives depicted in that series were exact excerpts from the Dr. Bhabha's life and work which were written gradatim in this book by Biman Nath. His habit of trailblazing made him the epitome in his field.
My amazon.in reviews
June 21, 2022
“For, each man can do best and excel in only that thing of which he is passionately fond, in which he believes, as I do, that he has the ability to do it, that he is in fact born and destined to do it.”
Whenever the subject of nuclear physics is taken into consideration in discussions, one of the names that are bound to pop up is that of Homi J Bhabha, often regarded as the father of India’s nuclear power project. His visions and ideas for making India a leading nation in the field of nuclear sciences have always been remarkable and have borne fruit over the years.
This book by Biman Nath is a monograph on the life of Homi Bhabha and his contributions to the field of scientific research. Encapsulating the essence of his dedication and curiosity from a very young age, this monograph brings into light his persistent personality, his tenacious nature, and his need for bringing progressive technology to the scientific field in India, also giving a peek into his passion for music and art along with science.
This book was enlightening and inspiring, on top of being informative. I appreciate the fact that the language and narration style was kept simple so as to make the comprehension easier for the readers. But I would like to point out one thing that is there are a lot of concepts of physics discussed in the book and if you are not very familiar with them, you may find it difficult to follow.
Whenever the subject of nuclear physics is taken into consideration in discussions, one of the names that are bound to pop up is that of Homi J Bhabha, often regarded as the father of India’s nuclear power project. His visions and ideas for making India a leading nation in the field of nuclear sciences have always been remarkable and have borne fruit over the years.
This book by Biman Nath is a monograph on the life of Homi Bhabha and his contributions to the field of scientific research. Encapsulating the essence of his dedication and curiosity from a very young age, this monograph brings into light his persistent personality, his tenacious nature, and his need for bringing progressive technology to the scientific field in India, also giving a peek into his passion for music and art along with science.
This book was enlightening and inspiring, on top of being informative. I appreciate the fact that the language and narration style was kept simple so as to make the comprehension easier for the readers. But I would like to point out one thing that is there are a lot of concepts of physics discussed in the book and if you are not very familiar with them, you may find it difficult to follow.
July 7, 2022
Homi J Bhabha was a nuclear physicist who laid foundation to the Indian nuclear research programme. The book is a comprehensive look into the struggles, achievements and the strive towards greatness of Homi Bhabha, that made him 'A Renaissance Man among Scientists'. Homi Bhabha's story is invigorating, inspiring and fulfilling that will ignite in you a quest towards 'finding your passion'.
The book is a well researched delve in Homi J Bhabha's life, with all its ups and downs giving a much needed attention towards his vision and values. The author has narrated anecdotes and life events that bring a smile to your face and keep you reading through. Accompanied by strongly accurate information on scientific concepts which will give spark to your curiosity or it might be confusing, so read to know where you stand. The book a short and quick read, which will motivate and appeal to young readers a lot.
The book is a well researched delve in Homi J Bhabha's life, with all its ups and downs giving a much needed attention towards his vision and values. The author has narrated anecdotes and life events that bring a smile to your face and keep you reading through. Accompanied by strongly accurate information on scientific concepts which will give spark to your curiosity or it might be confusing, so read to know where you stand. The book a short and quick read, which will motivate and appeal to young readers a lot.
August 19, 2023
A very quick and good read about one of the legendary scientists that the world has witnessed.
A truly global citizen, with the interests of his Motherland always in his heart and mind, Homi Bhabha through his thoughts, deeds and actions not only ensured that our country could stand in the community of nations with a sure footing but also has become an inspiration for generations. From setting up institutes such as TIFR and BARC, to starting up research in new and coming fields during those times such as molecular biology and radio astronomy, to influencing decisions to venture into space and electronics research, to harnessing nuclear energy for electricity generation indigenously and to enable India become a nuclear power, his contributions to our country are immense and uncountable. The book provides a great glimpse into these.
In addition, Bhabha was a man who was a thorough institution builder who was not just concerned with the science but also with the decorum and architecture of the buildings that housed these institutions, his own innate understanding of art, styles and architecture enabling him to contribute to much much more than just the science happening in those building. A true science-diplomat Homi Bhabha, was at much at ease with nuclear physics as he was while dealing with other countries to safe guard and push the interests of countries such as ours who were in the early stages of their nuclear journey. The esteem in which he was regarded internationally can be gauged from the fact that he was selected as the President of the first UN organized international conference on sharing nuclear technology, held in Geneva in 1955.
It was very unfortunate that we lost such a great man untimely, a true son of the soil and a renaissance man among scientists with great understanding and command over both the sciences and arts, and a very thoughtful, sincere and action oriented approach towards nation building.
The only reason I am giving the book a 4 star and not 5 is because, I believe the book could have been a bit more detailed.
A truly global citizen, with the interests of his Motherland always in his heart and mind, Homi Bhabha through his thoughts, deeds and actions not only ensured that our country could stand in the community of nations with a sure footing but also has become an inspiration for generations. From setting up institutes such as TIFR and BARC, to starting up research in new and coming fields during those times such as molecular biology and radio astronomy, to influencing decisions to venture into space and electronics research, to harnessing nuclear energy for electricity generation indigenously and to enable India become a nuclear power, his contributions to our country are immense and uncountable. The book provides a great glimpse into these.
In addition, Bhabha was a man who was a thorough institution builder who was not just concerned with the science but also with the decorum and architecture of the buildings that housed these institutions, his own innate understanding of art, styles and architecture enabling him to contribute to much much more than just the science happening in those building. A true science-diplomat Homi Bhabha, was at much at ease with nuclear physics as he was while dealing with other countries to safe guard and push the interests of countries such as ours who were in the early stages of their nuclear journey. The esteem in which he was regarded internationally can be gauged from the fact that he was selected as the President of the first UN organized international conference on sharing nuclear technology, held in Geneva in 1955.
It was very unfortunate that we lost such a great man untimely, a true son of the soil and a renaissance man among scientists with great understanding and command over both the sciences and arts, and a very thoughtful, sincere and action oriented approach towards nation building.
The only reason I am giving the book a 4 star and not 5 is because, I believe the book could have been a bit more detailed.
June 22, 2022
Homi J Bhabha : A Renaissance Man among Scientists is an informative, educational and interesting monograph on the life and contributions of Homi Jehangir Bhabha who pioneered the Indian nuclear research programme. This compelling book brings forward his passion and vision and what this great man achieved for India.
Written in a lucid and fluid writing style, the book is an engaging and informative account. It is not only well researched but also well presented and well structured. The book comprehensively covers Bhabha's life from his college years to the last yeas in a small number of pages. The book contains many interesting stories and description of incidents associated with Bhabha's life.
What I liked the most about this book is that it is easy to read and quite engaging. I also liked how the author has given this comprehensive monograph in a few number of pages, keeping it crisp, concise and interesting. Bhabha's contributions in the field of nuclear research are innumerable and invaluable and I feel everyone should read this book to be able to appreciate his vision, efforts and achievements.
Written in a lucid and fluid writing style, the book is an engaging and informative account. It is not only well researched but also well presented and well structured. The book comprehensively covers Bhabha's life from his college years to the last yeas in a small number of pages. The book contains many interesting stories and description of incidents associated with Bhabha's life.
What I liked the most about this book is that it is easy to read and quite engaging. I also liked how the author has given this comprehensive monograph in a few number of pages, keeping it crisp, concise and interesting. Bhabha's contributions in the field of nuclear research are innumerable and invaluable and I feel everyone should read this book to be able to appreciate his vision, efforts and achievements.
March 24, 2022
Has its Highs and Lows. Some places Dr. Biman Nath goes very technical on cosmic rays concepts which could have been skipped since most won't understand it. Towards the end, the book again gains speed about Bhabha's vision, love for science, architecture etc. Overall a decent read.
March 13, 2022
Better go for MASTERFUL SPIRIT
February 20, 2024
A book with a little scientific temperament but you would enjoy it if you're from science background
October 9, 2022
Homi J. Bhabha is one of the people responsible for India’s foray into nuclear technology. I first heard about him from my father who stayed around Trombay in his 20s and worked close to Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
Born into a wealthy Parsi family, Homi Jehangir Bhabha was a curious kid who read Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity at 9. This passion for physics took wings as he joined Cambridge University and met other physicists while working at the famous Cavendish Laboratory for his PhD. With the world engulfed in WWII, Bhabha returned to India and began exploring the subatomic world at the Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore), headed by C. V. Raman. At the end of the big war, as the nation moved towards independence, Bhabha recognised the importance of making India a self-reliant country in Science and Industry. The book explores Bhabha's life and the quest which led to the birth of institutions like the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
What I liked about this book is Biman Nath’s clear explanation of complex physics concepts. This makes the reader understand how Bhabha’s mind looked at things before they were even experimentally established. It covers the critical points that helped us build an active nuclear program and further inspired other fields like Space Research.
Born into a wealthy Parsi family, Homi Jehangir Bhabha was a curious kid who read Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity at 9. This passion for physics took wings as he joined Cambridge University and met other physicists while working at the famous Cavendish Laboratory for his PhD. With the world engulfed in WWII, Bhabha returned to India and began exploring the subatomic world at the Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore), headed by C. V. Raman. At the end of the big war, as the nation moved towards independence, Bhabha recognised the importance of making India a self-reliant country in Science and Industry. The book explores Bhabha's life and the quest which led to the birth of institutions like the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
What I liked about this book is Biman Nath’s clear explanation of complex physics concepts. This makes the reader understand how Bhabha’s mind looked at things before they were even experimentally established. It covers the critical points that helped us build an active nuclear program and further inspired other fields like Space Research.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews