Education
University of Calcutta. Presidency University, Kolkata.
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Amal Raychaudhuri
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His most significant contribution is the eponymous Raychaudhuri equation, which demonstrates that singularities arise inevitably in general relativity and is a key ingredient in the proofs of the Penrose–Hawking singularity theorems. Raychaudhuri was also revered as a teacher during his tenure at Presidency College, Kolkata. Many of his students have gone on to become established scientists.
Raychaudhuri was born in a Baidya family, originally hailing from Barisal.
After earning his master"s degree, Raychaudhuri spent four years doing experimental work. During this time, working in complete isolation, he taught himself differential geometry and the theory of general relativity.
In 1952 he took a research job with the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (International Association of Classification Societies), but to his frustration was required to work on the properties of metals rather than general relativity. Despite these adverse pressures, he was able to derive and publish the equation which is now named for him a few years later.
Some years later, having learned that his 1955 paper was highly regarded by notable physicists, such as Pascual Jordan, Raychaudhuri was sufficiently emboldened to submit a doctoral dissertation, and received his degree in 1959.
In 1961, Raychaudhuri joined the faculty of his alma mater, Presidency College then affiliated with the University of Calcutta. Ironically, his work was not widely recognized in India until the nineteen seventies, when he became a well known scientific figure. Shortly before his death, a documentary film on his career was completed.
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Born
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Died
June 18, 2005 (aged 81) -
Nationality
India