Professor Kedareswar Banerjee (1900–1975)

Professor Kedareswar Banerjee, a pioneer X-ray crystallographer, was born in Bikrampur, Dacca (now in Bangladesh) on 15 September 1900. After a brilliant academic career in Dacca University and later at the University of Calcutta, Banerjee, in 1923, joined the research group of C. V. Raman at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS). Subsequently, he worked in various capacities in different institutions like India Meteorological Department, Dacca University and Allahabad University; finally he retired as the Director of IACS in 1965.

Banerjee laid the foundation of X-ray crystallographic research in India. In 1924, when only a few crystal structures had been determined throughout the world, Banerjee’s work on the determination of atomic arrangements in crystalline naphthalene and anthracene received considerable attention around the world. He was awarded the D Sc degree by the University of Calcutta in 1930. He had close association with almost all the leading crystallographers of his time like W. H. Bragg, W. L. Bragg, J. M. Robertson, P. P. Ewald, J. D. Bernal, K. Lonsdale, N. V. Belov and M. Avrami. In 1933 Banerjee proposed a new approach to the solution of crystallographic phase problem, which not only broke new ground beyond the ‘trial and error’ structure solution method of that time, but also heralded the extremely powerful direct methods of crystallography of the modern era. His seminal paper (Proc. R. Soc., 1933, 141, 188) on the direct method has received due mention in the Nobel Lecture of Jerome Karle in 1985.

Apart from structural X-ray crystallography, Banerjee’s research pursuits covered a wide field of crystal physics. His research contributions in various fields like low-angle scattering, thermal diffuse scattering of X-rays from crystals, diffraction of X-rays by liquids, jute fibre and organic polymers, structures of coal and glass, determination of elastic constants of crystals by X-rays, theoretical modelling of vibration spectra of crystal lattice and some topics in crystal optics have received international recognition. Perhaps his most significant contribution for the advancement of science in India was the creation of active schools of research wherever he went, leaving behind a band of young, energetic research workers who in turn,became the torch-bearers of his scientific tradition.

Banerjee received several honours. He was elected Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Science (NASc). He was the sectional President for Physical Science Group at the Indian Science Congress in 1947, Vice-President of NASc during 1958–1960 and General President NASc in 1967. He was a member of the first National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO during 1947–1951, a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Planning Commission during 1953–1956 and a member of the review committees and advisory boards of several national laboratories. In 1948, he was invited as a ‘Guest of Honour’ to the Inaugural Conference and General Assembly of the International Union of Crystallography. Apart from being a front-rank scientist, Banerjee possessed a rare and pleasing personality, kind and affectionate yet strong in his convictions. Banerjee died at Barasat, a suburb of Calcutta on 30 April 1975.

:: Added 12082005 @ 2020 GMT