Dr kamala sohoni biography of nancy
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Her groundbreaking research, notably on Neera, earned her the Rashtrapati Award.
Kamala Sohonie (1912–1998) was an Indian biochemist who made significant contributions to the field of enzymology. Sohonie’s pioneering research has had a lasting impact on the development of nutritional science and has paved the way for future generations of female scientists in India and beyond.
Let’s delve into the key moments from her early life that shaped her exceptional journey.
Early Education And Influences
Kamala’s passion for science was sparked early, influenced by her environment, and filled with academic chatter. Her Neera research shows how scientific discoveries can directly impact health and well-being.
Honours And Awards
Kamala Sohonie’s unprecedented achievements in biochemistry have not gone unnoticed.
Undeterred, Dr Sohonie protested until the director, Nobel Laureate C.V. Raman, granted her provisional admission, setting a precedent for the institute—her eventual success made her the first woman to graduate from IISc.
- Fearless pursuit: Overcame initial rejections at IISc.
- Provisional admission: Signified a big win for women in science.
- First female graduate: Laid the groundwork for future women scientists.
Trailblazing To A Ph.D.
Sohonie’s journey did not stop after her milestone at IISc.
This notable achievement recognizes her contribution to science and the impact of her research on society. Turkish Hospitality and Our Experiences
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Anecdotes on our travel abroad : 6. Here, she and her team delved into nutritional studies of legumes. In a generally male-dominated era, there was a perception that women were not good enough to conduct research.
Her contributions to understanding urease and enzyme reactions have influenced subsequent generations of biochemists, contributing to advancements in the broader field of molecular biology.
Beyond her scientific achievements, Sohonie’s life is a testament to breaking barriers and pursuing one’s passion despite societal challenges.
Her priority in research was to provide nutrition to the poorest of the poor at an affordable cost. They showed that this enzyme is present in plants and some organisms including humans. Her exploration into the nutritional advantages of a palm derivative known as ‘Neera’, a sap derived from various toddy palms, came about due to a recommendation from the then-president, Rajendra Prasad.
However, during this time, Kamala and her research students conducted detailed studies on the nutritional values of three food items commonly consumed by economically weaker sections of the people in India.
As per the suggestion from the then President Dr.Rajendra Prasad, he studied the benefits of 'neera', a drink extracted from some palm trees.
Mohandas K P
Prof. Her work created more than just immediate changes. She joined the Royal Institute of Science in Bombay as the professor of biochemistry department. Dr Sohonie’s research was both innovative and socially impactful, offering a solution to nutritional deficiencies prevalent in India during her time.- Identified essential amino acids absent in cereals
- Suggested a combination of cereals and pulses for a balanced diet
- Contributed to combating protein malnutrition in India
Cytochrome C Discovery
In her illustrious career, Kamala Sohonie contributed significantly to our understanding of cytochrome c, an essential component of the cellular respiratory chain.
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