Kamala Sohonie: Science, Satyagraha, and Feminism

In my academic years, I often found myself in heated discussions with colleagues about the paradoxical nature of scientific pursuit. We would marvel at how some of our peers, despite their rigorous training in science, held onto deeply irrational biases—especially against women and marginalized groups. “What’s the point of doing science if you can’t rise above prejudice?” we would ask. But the reality is that science and scientific training do not exist in a vacuum. It is shaped by the social and political biases of its time, and scientists, no matter how brilliant, are not immune to these influences. This realization hit me hardest when I learned about Kamala Sohonie’s encounter with the legendary C.V. Raman.  

During my PhD, I used Raman spectroscopy as the primary tool to study phase transitions in condensed matter systems. My thesis introduction paid homage to his groundbreaking ideas and his legacy as an experimentalist. So, it was both shocking and disheartening to discover how Raman treated Kamala Sohonie, a young woman who dared to dream of a career in science. Despite her stellar academic record, Raman initially refused to admit her to the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) simply because she was a woman. When her father and uncle pleaded on her behalf, Raman reportedly said, “I am not going to take any girls in my institute!”. He eventually had to let Kamala study in IISc, but she was warned not to “spoil the environment” of the lab. Kamala accepted these terms, but the injustice left a lasting scar. Years later, at a felicitation function organized by the Indian Women Scientists’ Association, she publicly recalled the incident, stating, “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.”  

This story, however, is not about the stances of Raman - it is about how Kamala Sohonie shattered the glass ceiling and paved the way for future generations. Born on June 18, 1911, in Bombay, Kamala grew up in a family that valued education and science. Her father, Narayan Bhagvat, and her uncle, Madhavrao Bhagvat, were among the first chemistry graduates from the Tata Institute of Sciences (now IISc), and their passion for science inspired her to follow in their footsteps. After graduating at the top of her BSc class from Bombay Presidency College, Kamala aimed to pursue her master’s at IISc, the country’s leading institution for scientific studies. However, her path was anything but smooth.

Kamala Sohonie, Her paper published in Nature, and IISc

When Raman denied her admission, Kamala, a young woman in her twenties and a firm believer in Mahatma Gandhi’s principles, staged a peaceful protest outside his office, demanding justification for his decision. Convinced of her potential and determined to pursue science, she persisted in her Gandhian-style dharna until Raman, unable to justify his refusal, reluctantly relented—but with demeaning conditions: she would be an irregular candidate, work late nights as per her guide’s instructions, and have her thesis approved solely at Raman’s discretion. Undeterred, Kamala threw herself into her work, excelling under the guidance of M. Sreenivasayya, a pioneer in microbiological research. Her groundbreaking work on proteins in milk, pulses, and legumes not only earned her an MSc with distinction but also convinced Raman to open IISc’s doors to women.  

Kamala’s brilliance soon took her to Cambridge University, where she joined the Biochemical and Physiological Laboratory under the mentorship of Derek Richter, a renowned neurochemist. Her research focused on the role of cytochrome C, a protein crucial for cellular respiration, in plant tissues. This work was groundbreaking, as it bridged the gap between plant and animal biochemistry, revealing the universal nature of certain metabolic processes. Her findings were so significant that they formed the basis of her PhD thesis, which she completed in just 16 months—a remarkable feat by any standard. Her thesis, though unconventional in its brevity (just 40 pages), was a masterpiece of clarity and precision, earning her the distinction of becoming the first Indian woman to receive a PhD in a scientific discipline.  

Kamala’s work at Cambridge caught the attention of Frederick G. Hopkins, a Nobel laureate known for his discovery of vitamins. Under his guidance, she continued her research on the biochemical pathways of nutrition, Expanding the understanding of vitamins and minerals in human health. Despite receiving lucrative offers from American pharmaceutical companies, Kamala chose to return to India, driven by her desire to contribute to the nation’s development and her commitment to Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of self-reliance.  

Back in India, Kamala’s research took on a strong social focus as she joined the Nutrition Research Lab in Coonoor to address malnutrition, a major post-independence challenge. Her groundbreaking studies on neera, a traditional palm nectar drink, revealed its richness in vitamins and iron, with nutrients preserved even when processed into jaggery and molasses—offering an affordable nutritional solution for the poor, especially pregnant women and children. She also conducted pioneering research on legumes, highlighting their role in combating protein deficiency. Her findings not only advanced scientific understanding but also shaped dietary guidelines and food policies to improve public health.  

Kamala Sohonie’s legacy extends far beyond her scientific achievements. She was a relentless advocate for gender equality in science and a prolific science communicator, writing books in Marathi to inspire young students. She also co-founded the Consumer Guidance Society of India, one of the country’s earliest consumer protection organizations. Despite her groundbreaking contributions, Kamala Sohonie faced persistent gender bias throughout her career, as evident in the four-year delay of her appointment as Director of the Institute of Science in Mumbai. Yet, she persevered, becoming a trailblazer for future generations of women in science. Her advocacy for equal opportunities for women is showcased in the chapter "Opportunities for Women Scientists in India" in the book Women Scientists: The Road to Liberation, edited by Derek Richter.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us honor Kamala Sohonie, a trailblazer whose legacy continues to inspire generations of women scientists. Her life is a powerful reminder of resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Kamala not only fought for her place in science but for every woman’s right to dream, discover, and contribute. Her pioneering contributions to both science and social justice serve as an inspiration to women who continue to face biases in STEM and break barriers every day.

Written by Janaky S., edited by Parvathy Ramachandran @ThinkHer

References:

1.Chattopadhyay, Dhrubajyoti. "Kamala Sohonie: First Indian woman PhD in science." Science and Culture (2015).

2.Sohonie, Kamala, and K. S. Ambe. "Crystalline trypsin inhibitors from the Indian field bean and the double bean." Nature 175, no. 4455 (1955): 508-509.

3.Sidhaye, Deepti. "Kamala Sohonie: A Pioneer in the true sense."

4.Sohonie, K. (1982). Opportunities for women scientists in India. Women Scientists: The Road to Liberation, 14-23.

5.https://thebetterindia.com/91026/kamala-sohonie-india-woman-scientist-iisc-cambridge/