Bibha Chowdhuri
An Unheralded Star of Indian Science with immense contributions to the field of particle physics.
Featuring artwork by Arghya Manna & words by Dr. Archana Nagarajan, Sci-Illustrate Stories. Co-edited by Dr. Sumbul Jawed Khan. Set in motion & edited by Dr. Radhika Patnala.
Bibha Chowdhuri is an unknown name for the most of us. She was the first woman Particle Physicist in India and, to the best of our knowledge, the first Indian woman to earn a Ph.D. in Physics. She made immense contributions to the field of particle physics, but sadly remained unacknowledged throughout her lifetime.
Early Life
Bibha Chowdhuri was born in 1913 in Kolkata. She was one of six siblings (5 sisters and 1 brother), and belonged to a well-educated family; her father, Banku Bihari Chowdhuri, was a doctor; her mother, Urmila Devi, was a Brahmo (followed the doctrines of Brahmo Samaj). The teachings of Brahmo Samaj remained a great influence throughout the life of Bibha.
