Janaki Ammal
An Indian botanist who made significant contributions in the fields of cytogenetics and phytogeography.
Featuring artwork by Arghya Manna & words by Dr. Archana Nagarajan, Sci-Illustrate Stories. Set in motion and edited by Dr. Radhika Patnala.
“Let us choose for ourselves our path in life, and let us try to strew that path with flowers.”
Emilie du Chatelet (1706–1749), mathematician, physicist, and author.
If anyone personifies these words through their life, it had to be Dr. E. K. Janaki Ammal, one of the first women scientists from India. She was an Indian botanist who made significant contributions in the fields of cytogenetics and phytogeography and even has a flower named after her. She was a pioneer who has come to inspire generations of female scientists in India.
Early life in Tellichery
Janaki Ammal was born in 1897 to Dewan Bahadur E. K. Krishnan, a sub-judge in Madras Presidency, and Devi Krishnan. She had 12 siblings and grew up in…
