Introduction

Today, Google Doodle pays tribute to the remarkable Indian biochemist, Dr. Kamala Sohonie, on her 112th birthday. Dr. Sohonie was a pioneer in her field and a trailblazer for women in science. Her groundbreaking achievements and unwavering determination continue to inspire future generations. In this blog post, we delve into the life and legacy of Dr. Kamala Sohonie, highlighting her early years, overcoming doubts, proving competence, and honoring her lasting impact on the scientific community.

The Early Years

Born in 1911 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Kamala Sohonie came from a family of esteemed chemists. She pursued her studies in chemistry and physics at Bombay University, where she graduated at the top of her class in 1933. Despite facing skepticism and gender bias, she shattered barriers as the first woman accepted into the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).

Overcoming Doubts

Dr. Sohonie encountered stringent conditions and doubts about women's capabilities in science during her time at IISc. However, her competence and dedication broke through these barriers, earning her respect and admiration from the institution's director and opening doors for more women to enter the program.

Proving Competence

Dr. Sohonie focused her research on studying proteins in legumes and their impact on nutrition, particularly in children. Her findings not only contributed to the field of biochemistry but also emphasized the importance of legumes in overall nutrition. She obtained her master's degree in 1936 and later made a groundbreaking discovery on Cytochrome C during her research scholarship at Cambridge University, earning her Ph.D.

Honoring a Legacy

Dr. Sohonie's contributions were recognized with the Rashtrapati Award, and she became the first female director of the Royal Institute of Science in Bombay. She continued her research on nutritional benefits, developing the affordable dietary supplement Neera, which proved instrumental in combating malnutrition among children and pregnant women.

Conclusion

On her 112th birthday, we celebrate Dr. Kamala Sohonie, an inspiring figure who defied societal expectations and made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry. Google Doodle's tribute to her life and legacy highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring remarkable individuals who pave the way for future generations in science and beyond. Dr. Sohonie's journey serves as a reminder of the immense potential within each of us to create a lasting impact on the world.