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Kamala Sohoni did not give up even after being rejected by Nobel laureate CV Raman because she was a woman. Her determination helped her become the first Indian woman to earn a PhD in science.
Kamala Sohoni, India’s first female PhD in science.
Born into a family of scientists, Kamla Sohoni became the first Indian woman to receive a PhD in a scientific discipline in 1939. At a time when Indian women were clearly underrepresented in scientific fields, she not only did pioneering work in biochemistry, but also helped pave the way for future Indian women to overcome gender bias and pursue their dreams.
But the journey of the Indian biochemist was nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Indore in 1911, she was the daughter of Narayanrao Bhagwat, a chemist, and her uncle, Madhavrao Bhagwat, also a chemist and an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Science. Kamala’s love for chemistry began in her father’s small laboratory at home, where glass beakers jingled and chemicals played like magic.
Following his footsteps, he obtained a B.Sc. degree from Bombay University in 1933 with flying colors in Chemistry (Principal) and Physics (Assistant). He topped his class in Chemistry, and his next dream was to join the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the sacred center of science education in India.
CV Raman rejected his admission
When he applied for a research fellowship, the then director and Nobel laureate, Prof. CV Raman rejected his application. The reason for that? “The institution is not designed for women.” Raman believed that women were not suitable for research, but Sohoni was determined to prove him wrong.
He protested, publicly questioned Raman’s stance, met him face to face and refused to leave until he reconsidered. After tense negotiations, he agreed to accept her, but only “on probation” until she proved herself “worthy” of being a scientist.
During his stay there, he was not allowed to enter the main laboratory during the day and had to work under supervision at night. Within a year, he completed his research with distinction, forcing IISc to amend its policy.
Cambridge chapter: where it made history
She then won a scholarship and went to study at Cambridge University. Under Nobel laureate Derek Richter, he investigated how enzymes such as cytochrome c worked in plant tissues, research that was vital to understanding how cells breathe and produce energy. In 1939, she earned a PhD in biochemistry and became the first Indian woman to earn a doctorate in a scientific field.
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Kamla Sohoni’s research
After completing her PhD, Sohoni returned to India and joined the faculty of Lady Hardinge Medical College in New Delhi. He continued to study the nutritional benefits of certain foods and helped develop an affordable dietary supplement made from palm trees.
This nutritious drink called Neera is a good source of Vitamin C, iron and other nutrients. Due to this, improvement in the health of malnourished children and pregnant women was seen. Dr. Sohoni was awarded the President’s Award for his work on NEERA.
She later worked at the Nutrition Research Laboratory in Coonoor and the Royal Institute of Science in Bombay (now Mumbai), where she became the first woman director.
Kamla Sohoni passes away
She died in 1998 at the age of 86, leaving behind a scientific legacy rooted in resilience. His life remains a symbol of determination, perseverance and achievement. She broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of women scientists. After CV Raman refused her entry, Kamala Sohoni started rewriting the history of science.
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A team of journalists, writers and editors brings you news, analysis and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest… read more
November 05, 2025, 11:26 IST
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