C. N. R. Rao, Chemist
Chemist

C. N. R. Rao

Born 30 June 1934 · Karnataka

Developed fundamental understanding of transition metal oxides in solid-state chemistry.

Chintamani Nagesa Ramachandra Rao is an Indian chemist who has worked mainly in solid-state and structural chemistry. He has honorary doctorates from 86 universities from around the world and has authored around 1,800 research publications and 58 books. He is described as a scientist who had won all possible awards in his field except the Nobel Prize.

✨

A detail that
surprised us

“

C.N.R. Rao holds honorary doctorates from 86 universities worldwide, an unusual achievement for any scientist.

The Story

1
🌟 In 1951, at just 17, C.N.R. Rao earned his BSc from Mysore University, a prodigy who skipped elementary school and was home-tutored by his mother in Bangalore.
2
By 1959, he became the youngest lecturer at the Indian Institute of Science, launching a career that would redefine solid-state chemistry in India.
3In 1984, Rao was appointed director of IISc Bangalore, where he served a decade steering the institute through a transformative era in scientific research.
4🎓 Between 1985 and 2014, he twice chaired the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, influencing science policy during pivotal years of India’s technological growth.

🏅 Awards & Honours

1974
Padma Shri
1985
Padma Vibhushan
2014
Bharat Ratna

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

Rao did not attend elementary school but was taught at home by his mother, who was skilled in Hindu literature and arithmetic, until he entered middle school at age six in 1940.

🖼️

Through the Years

7 photographs from the archives
C. N. R. Rao, Indian chemist, pictured in Bangalore, India (2004)
C. N. R. Rao, Indian chemist, pictured in Bangalore, India (2004)
2004
C. N. R. Rao delivering a lecture at Science City Kolkata auditorium (2004)
C. N. R. Rao attending the India Loves Wikipedia event in Kolkata (2004)
C. N. R. Rao addressing the 15th Indo-Russian ILTP Joint Council session in New Delhi (2008)
C. N. R. Rao meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2014)

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Bangalore, Karnataka
C.N.R. Rao was born into a Kannada Deshastha Brahmin family; his father was an Inspector of Schools.
1934
📚
Education
BSc from Mysore University
Completed undergraduate studies at age 17, demonstrating early academic brilliance.
1951
⚡
Career
Youngest Lecturer at IISc
Joined Indian Institute of Science as youngest faculty member, marking the start of his career in research.
1959
⚡
Career
Appointed Director of IISc
Led the Indian Institute of Science through a decade until 1994, shaping its research direction.
1984
🏅
Award
Received Padma Vibhushan
Awarded India's second highest civilian honor recognizing his scientific achievements.
1985
🏅
Award
Announced for Bharat Ratna
Government of India announced him as recipient of Bharat Ratna, the nation's highest civilian award.
2013
🏅
Award
Received Bharat Ratna
Awarded Bharat Ratna by President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
2014
More moments to come...
+ Add a moment

🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

At age 24, Rao earned his PhD from Purdue University, a remarkable achievement given he had completed his MSc by 19 and BSc by 17.

02 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He authored approximately 1,800 research papers and 58 books, a publication volume rarely seen in chemistry globally.

03 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He received the Dan David Prize for science in the future dimension in 2005 specifically for his research in materials science.

No quote recorded for C. N. R. Rao yet.

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Eureka with C N R Rao
More from this archive
Eureka with C N R Rao
01
Eureka with C N R Rao
Mod-01 Lec-39 Interview with C N R Rao and Interview with E C Subba Rao
02
Mod-01 Lec-39 Interview with C N R Rao and Interview with E C Subba Rao
Exclusive: Bharat Ratna Prof. C N R Rao speaks to DD News
03
Exclusive: Bharat Ratna Prof. C N R Rao speaks to DD News
The Man Who Lives In The Future: Prof. C. N. R. Rao
04
The Man Who Lives In The Future: Prof. C. N. R. Rao
C N R Rao LIFETIME PROFESSOR Biographical documentary
05
C N R Rao LIFETIME PROFESSOR Biographical documentary
Interview with Bharat Ratna Prof C N R Rao
06
Interview with Bharat Ratna Prof C N R Rao
Pune International Centre: A lecture by Prof. C N R Rao on Doing Science in India
07
Pune International Centre: A lecture by Prof. C N R Rao on Doing Science in India
Lecture by Prof. C.N.R Rao
08
Lecture by Prof. C.N.R Rao
Prof CNR Rao| Lecture on Story of Science| सीएनआर राव| News in Science| Asian Science Camp 2016
09
Prof CNR Rao| Lecture on Story of Science| सीएनआर राव| News in Science| Asian Science Camp 2016
Professor C.N.R. Rao | WIN Distinguished Lecture Series
10
Professor C.N.R. Rao | WIN Distinguished Lecture Series

🌱 What changed because of them

C.N.R. Rao’s pioneering work in solid-state and materials chemistry established new research fields in India, notably through founding the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research. His leadership at IISc and advisory roles shaped national science policies, fostering advanced material science research infrastructure. His prolific publications continue to guide chemists globally.

💬 Social Buzz

💬

What are people saying about C. N. R. Rao?

Share posts from historians, journalists and notable voices about this icon. 🇮🇳

💭 Memories & Tributes

Share your memory of C. N. R. Rao...
Loading memories...
Is this profile accurate?