Vol. 2012, Issue No.8,
Dated: 07th August 2012 : Time 4h50m P.M.
[PART
I]
by
Professor
Dr. Kotcherlakota Lakshminarayana
(Retd Prof. of Physics, Shivaji Univeristy, India) 17-11-10, Narasimha Ashram, Official Colony, Maharanipeta. P .O, Visakhapatnam -530002. A. P.
Cell: Phone: +91
9491902867
Third
of the Series of Articles on
Prof.
K. R. Rao
D.Sc. (Madras) D.Sc. (London)
[9th September 1899 to 20thJune
1972]
{A Researcher of the Universe}
He
was a singular personality who nurtured the entire Electromagnetic Spectrum
from one end to the other and gave a fill up to several people.
Fig.1a Prof. K. Rangadhama Rao D.Sc.(Madras)
D.Sc.(London)
High School Record
Fig.1b
Prof K R Rao High School Record
Fig.1d
Prof K R Rao High School Record
Fig.1e
Prof K R Rao High School Record
College Education Vizianagaram.
M.
Satyanarayana M.A.,L.T.
27-5-1921
Chief Lecturer in Mathematics,
Maharaja’s
College,
Vizianagaram.
I have known Mr. K. Rangadhama
Rao,
B.A., as a student of Group I of the
intermediate
class and to group II (A) of the
B.
A. class in the Maharajah’s college,
Vizianagaram.
Since July last he has
been
working as Demonstrator in Physics
in
this college. Thus during my acquaintance
with
him extending over five years nearly,
I
have been impressed with his enthusiasm
for
work and uniformly good conduct. For
the
last one year he has been systematically
working
at Mathematics & I am
sure
he has a fairly good knowledge
of
Calculus and other branches of mathematics
useful
for advanced study in physics.
M.
Satyanarayana
Chief
Lecturer.
H H Maharaja College
K. Rangadhama Rao has
been a student in the
Maharaja’s College;Vizianagaram
in the B. A. Classes. His
work in mixed mathematics
was quite satisfactory. He
is intelligent and regular.
His character and conduct
are good.
Vizianagram, S. Purushotham
26-5-1921 Lecturer in
Mathematics.
Fig.3 S Purushotham
Certificate
Vizianagaram,
Maharaja’s college
28
May 1921.
Mr.
K. Rangadhama Rao, B.A. was a student of this college during the years 1919
& 1920 & passed his degree examin taking physics (Group ll A) as his
optional subject. He has been a demonstrator on the Physics Section since July
last. He has shown intelligence and earnestness in his work all along and had
produced a favorable impression on his Lectures, I have every confidence that
his future work will be equally satisfactory.
Y. Narasimham
Principal
B.A.(Hons)
PHYSICS POST GRADUATE EDUCATION
K.J.
Madan Mohan Aiyar, Trichonopoly
M.A.L.T : 9th
July 1923
I
know Mr. Rangadhama Rao, K. as my student
during
his post-graduate honours course for the
last
two years. Throughout the course he was
regular
steady, industrious student. He used to
have
a quick and ready grasp; of the subject of his
choice,
and he always felt an increasing enthu-
siam
in his studies. For his abilities and work it
is
only by chance he misses a higher class in the
University
Pass List.
He took to his Laboratory work with an
amount
of keeness and earnestness essential for
success
in scientific experiments.
He has been all through a modest quiet,
going
Youngman
and his professor’s were very cordial
and
pleasing. His relation with his co-students
seemed
to be very amicable and all desirable. He
has
excellent character.
It
is with great pleasure that I recommend
Him
to any post of trust and responsibility and
I
am sure he will do full justice to it.
St.
Joseph’s College, (sd/)Madan
Mohan Aiyar
Trichonopoly Asst
Prof.of Physics
Fig.6
Madan Mohan Aiyar, St. Joseph’s College, 29th July
1923
St. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE, TRICHINOPOLY TEPPAKULAM P.O.
______________192
This is to certify that
K.RANGADHAMARAO, B.A. (Hons) has been my pupil in the post Graduate Course of
Physics in this college, during the last two years, and that he took his degree
in Honours this April.
He was an excellent student,
keen on doing his duty well and thoroughly. He is by nature modest and non -
self-advertising. He was however one of the best students of his class, both in
theory and in practical work in the Laboratory, his work being characterized by
carefulness, thoroughness and completeness;
His character can perhaps be summed up in
the following words: he showed himself non-assuming, obedient to directions
given by Professors, loyal to his duty at all times and very grateful for the
least services rendered to him. He was a very amicable, companion to other
students and an intelligent and careful worker.
Tirchinopoly (Sd) D.Honorẻ́́́́́ N
22nd July 1923. Professor of physics
Fig.7
D.Honorẻ́́́́́ N certificate
M.A. PHYSICS POST GRADUATE
EDUCATION
P.
E. Subrahmanyam Aiyer,
M.A.
M.A.
Trichinopoly,
It
is with great pleasure that I hear testimony to the excellent character and
conduct of Mr. Rangadhama Rao a student of post Graduate course in physics for
the last two years.
He was throughout his course a regular,
diligent and intelligent student with more than ordinarily a rare grasp of the
subject theoretical and practical. He was easily one of the good students of
the class and was immediately endeared by his Professors and classmates.
He is very good all round and I
recommend him accordingly.
St. Joseph’s College
P.E.Subrahmanyam
Trichinopoly
Prof. of Physics
11th June 23
Fig.8 B.A (Hons) dt 28.8.1923
Exam
March 1923 Reg.No.110
Rev. F. Bertram, St.Joseph’s College,
Principal. Teppakulam, Tirchinopoly
19
May 1923
K. Rangadhama Rao has
taken a post-graduate course
in Physics in this college
and
passed the M.A. Degree Exam-
ination in Second Class.
He has earned excellent reports
from his Professors and is
described by them as a
student
of good character and
excellent
conduct of more than average
abilities, punctual,
assiduous,
earnest and neat in his work,
conscientious and reliable,
in
a word a most deserving
student. I have much
pleasure in confirming those
reports and recommending
him accordingly.
F. BETRAM
Principal.
-------0-------
Fig.
9 F. Bertram , Principal Certificate
MADRAS UNIVERSITY FOREIGN
SCHOLARSHIP FOR AN ANDHRA SCIENTIST
M
N Saha D Sc. F. R. S.
Professor of Physics,
University of Allahabad
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS Feb 28/2/1928
ALLAHABAD, INDIA
The 28th Feb., 1928
I have known Dr. K. Rangadhama Rao from his
researches in spectroscopy, and
also personally last
year when he spent about two weeks
in my laboratory. In my
opinion, he ha done exceptionally
good work in
Spectroscopy, which has received
honourable mention in
standard books and also from the
authorities in the
subject. I shall be very glad if
he is awarded a scholar
ship to enable him to proceed to
foreign countries. I
am sure that he will prove to be
one of India’s best
investigators in the Physical
Science.
M. N.
Saha
D.Sc., F.R.S
Head of the Physics Department,
University of Allahabad.
Fig.10
M. N. Saha, Univ of Allahabad,
Certificate 28 Feb 1928
This
letter Dt.28th Feb 1928 has a significance since "Sir" C. V. Raman was
very eager to send his NOTE without Krishanan’s name to Nature just on the Day
when Prof K. R. Rao was in Allhabad with M.N. Saha, FRS, likely to go London for
advanced research in Spectroscopy.
Medical Board certification for travel to UK
Fig.11 Medical Board certification for travel to UK
Dt. 2 May
1928
VISIT TO BERLIN
by Prof K R Rao D.Sc.(Madras)
D.Sc. (London).
Fig.12
Dr. F. Paschen Laboratories Visit
Fig.13
Deutsches Institut dt 31 July 1931
Fig.14
Dahlem Conf Visit 24 May 1931 Berlin
Fig.15 With Raman from Mysore‼
Prof KRRao’s stay in Sweden at
Upsala as a paying guest in his own handwriting at the residence of Mr. Nohlden
17, Stora Timmersmanagatan, Uppsala,
Sept
1930-Dec 1930.
Fig.16 Short note in Prof K R Rao’s handwriting
about stay in Uppsala, Sweden.
Note that Professor K
Rangadhama Rao wrote the spelling of Uppsala with double p letter while the
testimony given by Manne Siegbahn has the spelling of Upsala with a single p
letter.
Visit to University of Upsala, Upsala, Sweden.
Manne
Siegbahn
Mr. K. R. Rao has been carrying out
research – work at the
Physics
laboratory of the University of Upsala during the time
aug. to dez. 1930. The reason why he came here
was to
continue
extend his investigations on the optical spectra of some elements
(As, se, Te ….) in to the region of the shortest wave – lengths.
He
very rapidly learned the special technique and methods,
which
in this field have been developed in. this laboratory. Only a man of great
experience in spectroscopical work and of high ability would
have been able to make such rapid Progress as Mr. Rao did.
Thank
to these facts he also succeeded in getting numerous valu-
able
results of high scientific interest during his short stay
here. It is my personal opinion that Mr. Rao
has an uncommon ca-
pacity
for scientific research – work and that he will be able in
the
future – if only the necessary facilities are put at his dis-
posal
to give valuable contributions to the progress of science.
By
this reason I will highly recommend Mr Rao to positions where
it
is possible for him to carry on research- work and to stimulate
others
to do it.
Upsala, Physics Laboratory . Dez. 1930
signed Manne Siegbahn
Fig.17 Upsala
Certificate by Manne Siegbahn in 1930.
Contrast this testimonial
with the recommendation (given below) of Prof A Fowler and his half-hearted
support given to Prof K Rangadhama Rao D.Sc. (Madras) D.Sc. (London).
Imperial
College of Science & Technology
(ROYAL
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE)
South
Kensington,
London, S. W.7.
Dated 8th March, 1930,
Dr. K. R. Rao has been working
with me since October 1928
and I am glad to state that I have
formed a very high
opinion of his ability and
character. He has been occupied
with a number of researches in
spectroscopy, and I have
been greatly impressed by the
skilful way in which he has manipulated the various instruments and Physical
appliances necessary for his work.
Dr.Rao has also a very sound
knowledge of the theory of has
been able to
make several original
contributions which are of
definite value to the science.
Dr.
Rao carried on his work in a true scientific spirit
and has a proper appreciation of
the experiments
in observation and measurement,
which are as essential
for progress in modern
spectroscopy. I consider him
to be well qualified to undertake
independent research,
and believe that he would take
full advantage of any
facilities for research which
might be afforded to him in the future, He has an extensive knowledge of modern
physics, and my impression, is that he would make an excellent and inspiring
teacher.
I
may add that I have very much liked Dr. Rao personally
and that it has been a real
pleasure to me to have
him in my laboratory. I have every
confidence in
recommending him for appointment
as
research worker or as an
instructor in Physics
Sd,/ A. Fowler.
Fig.18 Certificate by Prof. A. Fowler
Fig.19 Letter of Prof A. Fowler continued
Fig.20
Doctor of Science, London, Dated 26 March 1931.
Fig.21
University of London Degree award
After the visits to Prof Manne Siegbahn at Upsala, Sweden and Prof. F.
Paschen laboratories in Berlin and following his valient untiring efforts in
the promotion of spectral line analysis of high resolution work and the
generous guidance he gave to Mr. Mack, Mr. Edlen and many others as well
Indians in London, later in Upsala and Berlin (one Raman from Mysore met him
there) Prof K R Rao wanted to migrate to USA for investigations in the advanced
contemplated areas of research in then Modern Phyiscs. See the Letter by Prof
N. H. Williams from University of Michigan, USA. The Rockfellor people couldn’t
help him as per the letters of Prof A. Fowler and inspite then he had money
enough to travel to USA but was prevented by a ship captain to board his ship
sailing from UK to NewYork city while his colleague Curtis was luck happily
travel away to USA.
THE ROCKFELLOR
FOUNDATION NEW YORK
Dr K Rangadhama Rao attempt at migration to USA
The Rockfellor Foundation
New York
European Office
The Natural Sciences, 20, Rue de la Ban
H. A. Spoehr Director Paris (8 e) France
Lauder W. Jones, Associate Cable Address Rockfund
Director
Paris
W.E. Tisdale|in charge of
F.B. Hansen|Fellowships
Paris
June 30, 1931.
Professor
A Fowler,
Imperial College,
London S.W.7
My
dear Prof. Fowler,
I beg to acknowledge your letter
of June 25th,
regarding
the possibility of a Fellowship experience to Dr Rao. At this present
time we do not have a programme of fellowships for
India,
and I regret to have to erite to you that it will not
be
possible to consider a request for Mr. Rao. We have found it
necessary
to confine our Fellowship programma to the countries
of
Europe where we know well the conditions, can have personal
interviews
with the candidates before they are appointed and ascertain that
subsequent to the fellowship year they can return to a post worthy
of their abilities, with time & equipment to carry out their researches.
At the present time we do not have a staff in India
and have therefore no machinery for administering
fellowships
under the rules of present programmes.
I regret sincerely the
disappointment this
communication
may cause to you & Dr Rao. Our trust
that
you
may be able to find some other means of accomplishing
his
desires.
With best wishes,
I
am
Yours Sincerely
F. B. Hansen
_____________
FBH
JK.
_____________
Fig.22 Rockfellor
Foundation Letter
Fig.23 Letter By Prof A Fowler Dated May 6th, 1931
Fig.24
Followed write up of Prof A Fowler about Badami
Fig.25 Univ of Michigan, N.H. Williams to Prof Fowler about
Dr. K. R. Rao, dt May 11, 1931.
Fig.26 August 7, 1931 regrets on Rockfellor Foundation
by
H.M. Randall,(Univ of Michigan, Ann Arbor,
Department of Physics ) from Germany
to Mr. K. R. Rao! !
Appoinment of Prof KRRao in Andhra
University.
M.N.Saha
D.Sc., F.R.S
ACADEMY
OF SCIENCES
Professor of Physics, (UNITED
PROVINCES OF AGRA AND OUDH)
ALLAHABAD
Dated:
Allahabad the 20th Feb’32.
I
have such pleasure in certifying that I have followed
Dr K. R. Rao’s scientific work
with great interest and I think
that he has earned a very good
position amongst spectroscopists
by his solid and permananet
contributions. In these works, he has
not only shown a clear grasp of
principles, but has also shown
himself to be an experimenter of
great skill and resources.
His experience of the
laboratories of Prof. A. Fowler in London
and of Prof M. Siegbahn at
Upsala will be of great use to him
in organizing a new physical
laboratory.
I
had the pleasure of making Dr. Rao’s acquaintance some
four years ago, when he stayed
with us for about a month. I
found him to be a young man of
unassuming manners, but possessed of great enthusiasm for work,
and endowed with great intelligence.
I recommend him for the post of Professor at the Andhra University.
M.N.Saha
Head of the Physics Department
Fig.27 Prof M N Saha Academy of Sciences Allahabad dt. 20th
Feb 1932.
J S Badami letters to Dr K R Rao from London and Berlin
Fig. 28 A hand
written note by J S Badami to Prof K R Rao wonder struck the Nobel Prize
winner’s jealousy for a fellow Physicist and intention of suppressing him
ruthlessly.
See the original letter of Badami below
“Probably by the time this reaches you
your job question might have been solved, as
you write. I hope it has been favourable.
I was never
prepared to learn what you
wrote regarding Prof R. I thought he might
even be of positive value to you considering
you were the first informant of the great
good luck, any way –is to wish him
still more. I only wish our great men were
great in their goodness too.-----------
I am glad you have been able to
have a v.Spect. of your own. I have asked”
---J. S. Badami: letter Dated 26th Feb 1932.
REMARK: This fixes the
date of Prof R antgonism
against Prof K Rangadhama Rao D.Sc(Madras) D.Sc.(London) as prior to 26th
Feb 1932. Prof KRRao met Sir CV Raman in 1924 accicedently at Jadavapur
Cultivation of Science, while going to Prof.M.N.Saha at Alahabad to discuss his
results in Spectroscopy. While Prof R’s paper was communicated, only after four
years of effort with the help of a Chemist KSKrishnan, to Nature on 28th
Feb 1928. Prof R fought to see that Prof KRRao has been put at very low
position in the( New) Andhra University at Waltair during 1932, while Prof MNSaha
recommended him for Professorship. Prof A Fowler’s support to Prof Dr K
Rangadhama Rao seems entirely dubious
while enjoying full faith and benefits of the analysis of line spectra and
support to correct his students works he has only half-heartedly recommended
him, only appreciating his research creative talent. Prof K Rangadhama Rao has
no knight-hood of “SIR” to empower and cover him in the Lord’s Academic
circles.This is so inspite Manne Siegbahn (in 1930) found Prof Dr KRRao’s
uncanny and extraordinary scientific value and worth.
Fig.29 J. S. Badami’s letter regarding his Papers and
necessary corrections
Fig.30 J. S. Badami’s letter regarding his Papers and
necessary corrections
Fig.31 J. S. Badami’s letter regarding his Papers and
necessary corrections
Fig.32 J. S. Badami’s letter regarding his Papers and
necessary corrections
Fig.33 J. S. Badami’s letter regarding his Papers and
necessary corrections
Fig.34 J. S. Badami’s letter regarding his Papers and
necessary corrections
Slashing Remarks
by Prof M N Saha on Nobel laureate
"Sir" C. V. Raman as A PROVERBIAL COCK.
"Sir" C. V. Raman as A PROVERBIAL COCK.
Physics Department,
Allahabad,
26.4.32.
Dear
Dr. Rao,
Regarding your letter as well as the paper
you
sent. I am indeed very glad to learn that you have
received
an appointment though personally i think that
they
ought to have given you the post of Reader.
I
have been informed of the whole inner history and I am indeed glad to
learn that my efforts have been of some service to you.
I
hope that you and your colleagues will be able to create
a
centre of Research at Waltair.
Eminent persons in our country as
I have found
very often to my cost, have the
mentality of the proverbial
Cock in the basket, which tries
to pack out all young introducers.
Life is still before you, and you must be
prepared
for more experiences of this kind. But one who
works
conscientiously need not be afraid of anything.
I am returning your paper with my
comments.
Yours sincerely,
M. N. Saha
Fig.35
Prof. M. N. Saha’s letter to Prof K R Rao
CONVERSION
OF READER POST TO
PROFESSOR
IN 1938
Fig.36 Strictly Personal and
Confidential letter, from Andhra University requesting Prof K R Rao whether he
would apply for a Professors post at Andhra University.
Design of “The Vacuum Spectrograph”
by Prof K R Rao to study the Extreme Ultra Violet & short Wavelength
Spectra.
UV TUBE PERSONAL DESIGN and PROPERTY
Fig.37 The detailed instructions from 1 to 5
regarding the grating holder and tubes.
Fig.38 The detailed instructions
from 6 to 7 regarding the grating holder and tubes.
Prof K R Rao’s
FRS recommendation by Prof A Fowler
Fig.39 Prof A
Fowler’s letter to Prof K R Rao for communication to Proc of Royal Society, in
1937 February 11th.
Fig.40 Prof A Fowler’s letter to Prof K R Rao for
communication to Proc of Royal Society, in 1937 February 11th.
Fig.40a
Atomic Energy Levels Volume I, II and III by Charlotte E Moore August 15, 1952.
(circular of the
National Bureau of Standards 467 Issued August 15,1952.)
Note:
As derived From the Analyses of Optical Spectra : The spectra of Chromium,
Manganese, Iron, Cobalt, Nickel, Copper, Zinc, Gallium, Germanium, Arsenic,
Selenium, Bromine, Krypton, Rubidium, Strontium, Yttrium, Zirconium, and
Niobium.
Triumph of Prof K R Rao : Analyses of Optical
Spectra.
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