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| Rajeshwari Chatterjee – A Pioneer Woman Scientist of India | | | Dr Vijay Garg
Rajeshwari Chatterjee was one of India’s pioneering women scientists and engineers. She made remarkable contributions to microwave engineering and antenna technology and played an important role in building India’s early research capability in electronics and communication engineering. Her life is an inspiring example of determination, scientific curiosity, and dedication to education.
Early Life and Education
Rajeshwari Chatterjee was born on 24 January 1922 in Karnataka, India. She grew up in a progressive family that valued education. Her grandmother, Kamalamma Dasappa, was among the first women graduates in Mysore and actively worked for women’s education. This environment inspired Rajeshwari to pursue higher studies in science.
She studied mathematics and physics at Central College in Bangalore. Later she received a scholarship to pursue higher studies in the United States at the University of Michigan, where she completed her Master’s degree and Ph.D. in electrical engineering in 1953.
Scientific Career
After completing her Ph.D., Rajeshwari Chatterjee returned to India and joined the Indian Institute of Science as a faculty member in the Department of Electrical Communication Engineering. She later became professor and chairperson of the department, a rare achievement for a woman scientist at that time.
Along with her husband Sisir Kumar Chatterjee, she established one of India’s first microwave engineering research laboratories. Their work laid the foundation for research in microwave and antenna engineering in India.
Her research in microwave technology later contributed to developments used in radar systems, aircraft, and space applications. Over her career she:
Guided 20 Ph.D. students
Published over 100 research papers
Authored seven books on microwave engineering and antennas.
Awards and Recognition
Rajeshwari Chatterjee received several awards for her contributions to engineering and research, including:
Mountbatten Prize for best research paper
J. C. Bose Memorial Prize
Ramlal Wadhwa Award for excellence in research and teaching.
In 2017, she was also recognized by the Government of India as one of the first women achievers of India for her pioneering work in engineering.
Legacy and Inspiration
Rajeshwari Chatterjee retired from the Indian Institute of Science in 1982 but continued to work on social issues and encouraged women to pursue careers in science and technology. She passed away on 3 September 2010, leaving behind a rich scientific legacy.
Her achievements broke gender barriers in engineering and opened doors for many women in STEM fields. Today, she is remembered as a trailblazer who proved that women can excel in science and engineering just as much as men.
Conclusion
The life of Rajeshwari Chatterjee demonstrates how determination, education, and dedication can transform not only an individual career but also an entire field of research. Her contributions to microwave engineering and her role in mentoring future scientists continue to inspire generations of students and researchers in India and across the world.
Dr Vijay Garg Retired Principal Educational columnist Eminent Educationist street kour Chand MHR Malout Punjab |
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