Jagadish Chandra Bose : A Man proof life in Plants

Jagadish Chandra Bose was one of India’s greatest scientists whose life was shaped by curiosity, perseverance, and dedication to knowledge. From childhood he possessed a questioning mind and never accepted things blindly.

When his mother forbade him from plucking leaves from the Tulsi plant or going near trees at night but could not explain the reason, his curiosity about plants began. This curiosity later led him to investigate the life of plants and ultimately prove that plants are living beings.

Bose was born on November 30, 1858, in Radikhal village in the Dhaka district (now in Bangladesh). His father, Bhagawan Chandra Bose, was a Deputy Collector who believed strongly in Indian values.

Instead of sending his son to an English school, he enrolled him in a village school so that he could learn alongside ordinary children of farmers and fishermen. This upbringing taught Bose humility, equality, and respect for his mother tongue.

Later, Bose studied at St. Xavier’s College, Calcutta and then went to London for higher studies. After completing his education, he returned to India and became a professor of physics at Presidency College, Calcutta.

During that time, British authorities discriminated against Indian teachers by paying them lower salaries. Bose courageously protested this injustice and continued teaching without accepting the unfair salary until equality was granted.

Along with teaching, Bose devoted himself to scientific research. He built his own instruments and successfully demonstrated wireless transmission of signals, a discovery closely related to radio technology.

Although his work came earlier, the credit for wireless telegraphy later went to Guglielmo Marconi due to lack of recognition and support for Bose.

Undeterred by this setback, Bose turned his attention to the study of plants. Through innovative instruments that could record plant movements and responses, he proved scientifically that plants breathe, react to stimuli, and experience life processes similar to other living beings.

His research astonished scientists across Europe and earned him international recognition, including membership in the Royal Society.

After retiring from teaching, Bose founded the Bose Institute in 1917, dedicating it to scientific research. He remained devoted to science throughout his life and even donated his wealth for its advancement.

Jagadish Chandra Bose passed away on November 23, 1937, but his legacy continues. His discoveries about plant life and his fearless commitment to truth made him one of the most respected scientists in India. His life teaches that curiosity, determination, and love for knowledge can lead to discoveries that benefit the entire world.