PERSONAL INFORMATION
Profession: Scientist
Famous for: being the Founder Director of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Date of Birth: 21 February 1894 (Wednesday)
Birthplace: Bhera, Punjab Province, British India (now in Punjab, Pakistan)
Age (at the time of death): 60 Years
Zodiac sign: Pisces
Nationality: • British Indian (1894-1947) • Indian (1947-1955)
Marriage Date: 31 May 1915
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EDUCATION
School: • A private maktab (1901) • A.V. High School Sikandrabad, United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) (till 1907) • Dyal Singh High School, Lahore (1908)
College/University: • Dyal Singh College, Lahore (1911) • Forman Christian College • London University
Educational Qualification(s): • B.Sc. degree from the Forman Christian College (1916) • M.Sc. in chemistry from Forman Christian College (1919) • D.Sc. degree from London University (1921)
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): in centimeters – 168 cm in meters – 1.68 m in feet & inches – 5’ 6”
Eye Colour: Black
Hair Colour: Black
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status: Married
Wife/Spouse: Lajwanti (died in 1946)
Children: Son -2 • Anand Swarup • Devendra Daughter -2 • Santosh Kumari • Sudha
Parents: Father – Parmesliwari Sahai Bhatnagar (Teacher) (died on 26 October 1894) Mother – Parbati Bhatnagar
Siblings: Brother – 1 Jainty Swaroop Bhatnagar Sister – 1
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Awards, Honours, Achievements: Fellowship • Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences (1934) • Foundation Fellow of the National Institute of Sciences of India (1934) • Fellow of the Institute of Physics (1942) • Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chemistry (1942) • Fellow of the Royal Society, London (1943) Awards • “Best Play of the Year” award for his play ‘Karamati’ from the Saraswati Stage Society (1912) • Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) (1936) • Knighted by British Government (1941) • ‘Padma Vibhusan’ by the President of India (1954) Honours • Honorary Member of the Society of Chemical Industry, London (1943) • The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) Prize for Science & Technology was originated in his honour(1958)
OTHER INFORMATION
Fields: • Physical chemistry • Colloid chemistry
Major Organizations: • Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) • Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
Thesis: Solubilities of bi- and trivalent salts of higher fatty acids in oils and their effect on surface tension of oils
Doctoral Advisory: Frederick G. Donnan
Date of Death: 1 January 1955
Death Cause: Cardiac Arrest
Hobbies: Reading and writing Urdu poetry, Conducting experiments
Other Relatives: Cousin – Panna Lal
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar, an eminent figure in Indian scientific research, was born into a family deeply rooted in values and education. His father, a devoted member of the Brahmo Samaj, imparted a respect for knowledge and integrity. Following his father’s untimely demise, Bhatnagar found solace under the care of his maternal grandfather, Pearcy Lal, an engineer and one of the first graduates from the renowned Roorkee College. This nurturing environment sparked in him a fascination for scientific instruments, Euclidean geometry, algebra, and the art of crafting mechanical toys at a tender age. It was not just the sciences that captivated Bhatnagar; he also developed a profound interest in Urdu poetry, which would accompany him throughout his life.
Bhatnagar’s educational journey was enriched by the influence of illustrious mentors. His paternal grandfather, Rai Bahadur Munshi Manohar Lal Bhatnagar, served in a judicial capacity and was known for his unwavering honesty. Early in his academic life, Shanti was educated by notable figures such as Moulvi Talib Ali Paband, Mohd. Ashraf, and Lala Bishen Narain Mathur, who laid the groundwork in the sciences. His literary pursuits were guided by P. E. Richards, an Oxford-educated professor of English Literature at Dyal Singh College, where Bhatnagar actively engaged with the Saraswati Stage Society, an initiative founded by Richards’ wife, Norah.
Bhatnagar’s scientific curiosity manifested in numerous experiments, including the creation of string telephones and electrical batteries. His early research culminated in a paper on the fermentation phenomena of pomegranate juice, which garnered publication. His M.Sc. thesis, titled “The Effect of Absorbed Gases on the Surface Tension of Water,” was conducted under the mentorship of celebrated professors K. T. Compton and A. H. Compton. Despite initially faltering in his B.Sc. due to insufficient chemistry marks, Bhatnagar persevered, eventually becoming a demonstrator in the physics and chemistry departments at Forman Christian College and later a Senior Demonstrator at Dyal Singh College.
As his career progressed, Bhatnagar made significant contributions to industrial chemistry by addressing various practical problems. His first challenge involved finding a method to convert bagasse into nutrient-rich foodcake for cattle. He also tackled a mud viscosity issue for Steel Brothers & Co. in London, using an Indian gum to enhance stability against electrolytes. His innovative solutions earned him substantial recognition, which he channeled into establishing the Industrial Research Department. This institution became a hub for vital research, including developments in deodorization, kerosene flame height enhancement, and waste product utilization in the oil industries. Bhatnagar’s extensive influence extended beyond individual companies; he collaborated with numerous prominent industry players, including Delhi Cloth & General Mills and Tata Oil Mills, showcasing his commitment to the advancement of industrial science in India.
In 1921, Bhatnagar accepted an offer from Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya to join Banaras Hindu University as a professor of chemistry, a role that marked the beginning of a prolific academic tenure. His subsequent 16 years at Punjab University were characterized by active research in colloid chemistry and magneto-chemistry, solidifying his reputation in scientific circles. After being appointed Director of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research in 1940, he played a crucial role in establishing numerous national laboratories across India, earning him the title of the “Father of Indian Research Laboratories.” Bhatnagar’s literary contributions included a poetry collection titled ‘Lajwanti,’ penned in memory of his late wife, and a co-authored book on magneto-chemistry.
Bhatnagar’s legacy transcends his scientific achievements. Following his passing, prominent leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru acknowledged his unique blend of talents and relentless energy. In recognition of his contributions, a commemorative stamp was issued on February 21, 1994, celebrating what would have been his birth anniversary. Bhatnagar’s life story is not just one of scientific exploration; it reflects a profound commitment to education, industry, and the cultural fabric of India, leaving an indelible mark on future generations.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.