From Bhabha to Tessy Thomas & Kalam: 8 Must-Read Books on Indian Scientists

C V Raman: A Biography Written by Uma Parameswaran, this book gives a detailed account of the life and work of Nobel laureate C V Raman, the first Indian director of the IISc Bengaluru. The book attempts to shed light on his vision, idiosyncrasies and struggles. Buy here.

Homi J Bhabha: A Renaissance Man among Scientists A book by author Biman Nath, the book chronicles the life of nuclear physicist — Homi J Bhabha. It discusses his ambition, farsightedness, and enterprise, laying the nuclear framework that shaped the development of modern science in India. Buy here.

ISRO: A Personal History Written by ISRO’s pioneer R Aravamudan himself, the book is a personal account of the people who built India’s space research programme and how they did it. It has details of rocket engineers who laid the foundation for the savvy young engineers who are running it today. Buy here.

Vikram Sarabhai: A Life Containing the insightful details of the life of the renaissance man of Indian science — Vikram Sarabhai, this book by Amrita Shah is a delightful read. Besides his professional achievements, the book also gives details about his personal life. Buy here.

The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Life of the Genius Ramanujan Written by Robert Kanigel in 1991, the book is a life account of Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. It details his upbringing in India, his mathematical achievements, and the mathematical collaboration with mathematician G H Hardy. Buy here.

Women Scientists in India: Lives, Struggles and Achievements While it is hard to find dedicated books on women scientists in India, this one by Anjana Chattopadhyay captures the work done by many of them over the years. It includes snippets about the life and achievements of many including Tessy Thoman, Rukhmabai etc. Buy here.

APJ Abdul Kalam Wings of Fire: An Autobiography The book is an autobiography of the Missile Man of India and former president of India. In the book, Kalam examines his early life, effort, hardship, fortitude, luck and chance that eventually led him to lead Indian space research, nuclear and missile programs. Buy here.

S Chandrasekhar : Man Of Science The book by Radhika Ramnath includes not only the professional achievements of the Nobel laureate’s life but also gives an insight into his personal life. A caring uncle, a devoted husband, and a compassionate brother, the book shows the other side of his life. Buy here.

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