Early Days of Particle Physics in India by Sreerup Raychaudhuri

Embark on a captivating journey through the early history of particle physics in India with this special colloquium talk. Trace the evolution of research in cosmic rays and elementary particles from pre-World War I era to the 1960s. Discover the pioneering work of Indian scientists in radioactivity, nuclear physics, and cosmic ray research. Learn about key figures like Homi Bhabha, Vikram Sarabhai, and Piara Singh Gill, and their contributions to the field. Explore significant experiments, including the Sandakphu and Kolar Gold Fields projects. Gain insights into the influence of Cambridge University, the challenges faced by early researchers, and the legacy of these fearless and energetic pioneers. This comprehensive overview, delivered in simple and non-technical language, offers valuable lessons from India's scientific history and highlights the country's role in shaping modern particle physics.

Early Days of Particle Physics in India
Discovery of Radioactivity
Radioactivity Research Starts in India
Nuclear Physics
Nuclear Physics Research Starts in India
Nuclear Physics Research Starts in India 1913: D.M.
Cosmic Ray Research Starts in India
Nuclear Physics Research Starts in India
Particle Physics Research Starts in India
The Max Born Interlude
Professor and Frau Born liked Bangalore so much that they wanted to settle there for good,
The Tranquil Thirties
Homi Bhabha - the Cambridge years
Bhabha Scattering
Annihilation diagram
Number of Counts
The Bhabha-Heitler Theory
The Midas years...
Wheeler
Banishment from Eden
Institution Builder
The Sandakphu Experiments
Photographic Plates as Detectors of Matron
Did Bose and Chowdhry discover the pion?
The Discovery of the Pion
Quote from Alfred Tennyson
THE RANGES OF a PARTICLES IN PHOTOGRAPHIC EMULSIONS
Vikram Sarabhai
The Cosmic Ray Group at TIFR in the 1950s
The Fabulous Fifties
The Kolar Experiment
Muon measurements at Kolar
Atmospheric neutrinos
In the 1970's, the KGF experiment was revamped to look for proton decay...
Particle Physics in North India
Piara Singh Gill
Department of Physics & Astrophysics
As early as 1942,
Evidence Concerning the Existence of the New Unstable Elementary Neutral Particle
Alladi Ramakrishnan and Matscience
Some observations...
The tremendous influence of Cambridge University and the Cavendish laboratory
The attraction of administrative posts...
Lack of participation by women
These pioneers of science in India were fearless, energetic and confident.