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Remembering phytochemist Asima Chatterjee
ஏன் செய்தியில்?
First woman to earn an Indian D.Sc.: the medicinal-plant chemistry that made history
A tribute recalls chemist Asima Chatterjee's pioneering research on medicinal plants.
Why it matters: factual, Prelims-type
What you need to know
2 நிமிடம்
Asima Chatterjee, remembered as a pioneer of Indian phytochemistry, was the first woman to be awarded a Doctor of Science degree by an Indian university and carried out influential research on medicinal plants and plant-derived alkaloids used in epilepsy and anti-malarial treatment.
She went on to serve as the first woman General President of the Indian Science Congress and was honoured with the Padma Bhushan.
ஆதாரங்கள்: Topper IAS editorial (PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express)
முக்கிய உண்மைகள்
Remember these
- First woman to receive a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree from an Indian university
- Pioneer of Indian phytochemistry, researching medicinal plants and plant-derived alkaloids
- Her alkaloid research contributed to treatments for epilepsy and anti-malarial drugs
- First woman General President of the Indian Science Congress
- Honoured with the Padma Bhushan
ப்ரிலிம்ஸ் · மெயின்ஸ்
How the exam will ask it
ப்ரிலிம்ஸ்
- Asima Chatterjee was the first woman to receive a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree from an Indian university.
- She carried out pioneering research on medicinal plants and plant-derived alkaloids used in epilepsy and anti-malarial treatment.
- She was the first woman General President of the Indian Science Congress.
- She was honoured with the Padma Bhushan.
மெயின்ஸ்
GS Paper III (Science & Technology) / GS I (Personalities): Asima Chatterjee's phytochemistry research on medicinal plants translated traditional plant knowledge into alkaloid-based epilepsy and anti-malarial treatments, while her institutional firsts (D.Sc., Indian Science Congress presidency) marked early breakthroughs for women in Indian science leadership. The episode underscores the case for continued policy support for women's participation in STEM research and academic leadership in India.
Quick recall
Answer before you reveal
Chemist Asima Chatterjee, remembered for her research on medicinal plants, was the first woman to:
- become Director-General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
- receive the Bharat Ratna for work in science
- chair the Atomic Energy Commission
- receive a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree from an Indian university
விடையைக் காட்டு
விடை: D — Correct: receive a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree from an Indian university — Asima Chatterjee was the first woman so honoured, recognising her phytochemistry research. • Director-General of CSIR — wrong: not a distinction she held. • Bharat Ratna — wrong: she received the Padma Bhushan instead. • Chair of the Atomic Energy Commission — wrong: she held no such position.
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