C. V. Raman as a Science Communicator: A Historical Perspective

Abstract

C. V. Raman (1888-1970) was a creative scientist, enthusiastic teacher and a science celebrity in India. In all these roles, he communicated science effectively. In this essay, I ask how and why did he communicate science. I take a few examples from his research writings and show his ability to explain science lucidly. By looking into his thoughts on teaching and those of his students, I explore Raman, the teacher. Finally, I dis­cuss a few aspects of his methods of communicating science to the public. I emphasize Raman's exposition and reveal a dichotomy.