Kamala Sohonie, born on June 18, 1911, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, shattered gender stereotypes and made indelible contributions to science, particularly in the field of biochemistry. Raised in a family with a strong academic background, she pursued her passion for chemistry, following in the footsteps of her father and uncle, who were notable chemists themselves. Despite her academic excellence, her journey was fraught with gender bias and institutional obstacles.
Sohonie's quest for higher education led her to Bombay University, where she excelled in her studies, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1933. Encouraged by her familial legacy and academic achievements, she sought a research fellowship at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). However, her aspirations were met with resistance when her application was rejected by the then-director, Nobel Laureate Prof CV Raman, citing his skepticism about women's competence in scientific research.
Undeterred by this setback, Sohonie's determination and resilience came to the forefront as she staged a 'satyagraha' outside Prof Raman's office, demanding admission. Her perseverance paid off, eventually convincing Prof Raman to grant her permission to pursue her research. Her groundbreaking work on proteins in milk, pulses, and legumes, not only showcased her scientific prowess but also challenged prevailing gender biases, opening doors for future women scientists.
Kamala reflects on her past challenges, recalling the hurdles she faced during the application process. 'Though Raman was a great scientist, he was very narrow-minded. I can never forget the way he treated me just because I was a woman. Even then, Raman didn't admit me as a regular student. This was a great insult to me. The bias against women was so bad at that time. What can one expect if even a Nobel Laureate behaves in such a way?’
Kamala Sohonie managed to continue her research and eventually earn her PhD, despite facing rejection initially. Her determination and resilience played a crucial role in her success. She boldly confronted a Nobel Laureate, refusing to accept unjust treatment.
Prof Raman found himself unable to provide valid justification for his biased stance and was eventually compelled to accept Kamala's application, albeit with certain conditions. Firstly, she was granted admission on a probationary basis, not as a regular candidate. Secondly, she was required to work late into the night under the guidance of her mentor. Lastly, she was cautioned against disrupting the laboratory environment, a veiled warning implying that she should not be a 'distraction' to her male counterparts.
Despite the hurt and indignation she felt, Kamala's unwavering commitment to scientific pursuit drove her to accept these terms. Against all odds, she ultimately became the first woman to be admitted to the institute, marking a significant victory for gender equality in the field of science.
Sohonie's pioneering research extended beyond academia, focusing on addressing societal challenges such as malnutrition, particularly among tribal children.
At the behest of India's first president Dr Rajendra Prasad, she embarked on a mission to study the nutritional benefits of certain foods, leading to the invention of 'Neera’, an affordable dietary supplement derived from palm nectar. This innovation earned her the prestigious Rashtrapati Award and cemented her legacy as a trailblazer in the field of nutrition.
In addition to her scientific achievements, Sohonie's advocacy extended to combating food adulteration, a prevalent issue in 1970s India. Displaying her commitment to public welfare, she introduced on-the-spot food quality tests, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to upholding the standards of food safety and consumer protection.
Sohonie's journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of women in STEM fields worldwide, serving as a beacon of hope and empowerment. As the first Indian woman to earn a PhD in a scientific discipline and a trailblazer in biochemistry and nutrition, Kamala Sohonie's impact transcends boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the scientific community and society as a whole.
(File Images)