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2. In spite of his poor health, he got I class in his Matriculation
examination when he was only a boy of twelve. He passed the
Intermediate examination from Hindu College, and joined Presidency
College, Madras for his B.A. His relatives wanted him to give up
Not to be republished
science and take History and Economics as his special subjects for
B.A. Since Raman had made up his mind to study science, he took
Physics. He passed his B.A. securing the first rank, and a number
of prizes. He passed his M.A. [Physics] in January 1907.
©KTBS
3. After his M.A., Raman wanted to go to the United Kingdom for
higher studies in science. But his health broke down again, and
he could not go. This was the greatest disappointment in his life.
His relatives asked him to give up his study of science, and take
a competitive examination in Calcutta, in History and Economics.
Raman did so, and got along well with his new subjects. He got
the first place in the competitive examinations, and was appointed
Deputy Accountant General in 1907, at Calcutta. His relatives

perhaps felt happy to see that Raman had settled down well in life.
But Raman was not happy. How could a scientist like Raman put
up with the life of a Deputy Accountant General? He felt like a fish
out of water in his new post. But he still had hopes of becoming a
scientist and was waiting for an opportunity.

c1 answer the following questions and share your responses
with your partner.

1. Who were Raman’s parents?
2. Why was Raman not able to attend school regularly?

3. Where did he complete his Intermediate examination?
4. What subjects did his relatives advise him to take for B.A.?

5. Why could not Raman go to the United Kingdom for higher
studies?
Now read on silently.

4. Even as Deputy Accountant General, Raman mixed with scientists
and took interest in science. One day, while returning from his
office, he saw a banner outside a building on which was printed
– THE INDIAN ASSOCIATION OF SCIENTISTS. At the sight of
that banner, Raman got off the moving train and went to meet the
scientists who had gathered in that building. Sometime later, when

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