Kamala Sohonie: Pioneering Biochemist Who Improved the Lives of Millions Through Her Work on Nutrition
Kamala Sohonie was a pioneering Indian biochemist who made significant contributions to the field of nutrition. Her work on the nutritional value of Indian foods has had a major impact on the lives of millions of people in India, and her research has helped to improve the health and well-being of people around the world.
Sohonie was born in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, in 1909. She was the daughter of Narayanrao Bhagwat, a distinguished chemist, and his wife, Parvatibai. Sohonie showed an early interest in science, and she graduated from Bombay University with a degree in physics and chemistry in 1932. She then went on to earn a master's degree in biochemistry from the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore in 1936.
After completing her master's degree, Sohonie remained at the Indian Institute of Science to pursue her doctoral research. Her doctoral thesis focused on the nutritional value of pulses, and she was the first person to study the protein content of these foods in detail. Her research showed that pulses are a valuable source of protein, and her findings helped to improve the diets of millions of people in India who rely on pulses as a staple food.
In the years following her doctoral studies, Sohonie continued to conduct research on nutrition. She studied the nutritional value of a wide range of Indian foods, including rice, wheat, vegetables, and fruits. She also investigated the effects of different cooking methods on the nutritional content of food. Her research helped to improve the understanding of the nutritional needs of the Indian population, and it led to the development of more nutritious diets for people of all ages.
In addition to her research on nutrition, Sohonie was also a strong advocate for consumer rights. She was a founding member of the Consumer Guidance Society of India, and she served as the organization's president for many years. Sohonie's work with the Consumer Guidance Society helped to protect the interests of consumers in India, and it raised awareness of the importance of nutrition and food safety.
Sohonie's work on nutrition has had a significant impact on the lives of millions of people in India and around the world. Her research has helped to improve the diets of people who rely on pulses as a staple food, and it has led to the development of more nutritious diets for people of all ages. Sohonie was a pioneer in the field of nutrition, and her work has had a lasting impact on the health and well-being of people around the world.
In recognition of her contributions to science and society, Sohonie was awarded the Rashtrapati Award, India's highest civilian honor, in 1967. She was also a fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences, India. Sohonie died in 1998 at the age of 89. She is remembered as a pioneering biochemist who made significant contributions to the field of nutrition and the lives of millions of people.
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