Meghnad Saha - An Estimate

An Estimate

Saha was of the opinion that large-scale industrialization was the only answer for improving the quality of life. He thought that India had no hope if she failed to develop science and technology. Saha wrote: "The philosophy of kindliness and service to our fellow-men was preached by all founders of great religions, and no doubt some great kings and ministers of religions in every country and at all ages tried to give effect to this (altruistic) philosophy. But the efforts were not successful, for the simple reason that the methods of production of commodities were too indifferent to yield plenty for all, which is an indispensable condition for practical altruism. We can, therefore, hold that so far as individual life is concerned, science has achieved a target aimed at by the great founders of religions in advanced countries of the world. The effects of maldistribution of wealth, due to historical causes, are being rapidly cured by introduction of social laws." Despite his patriotic dispositions, he refrained from participating in the freedom struggle. Family responsibilities compelled him to take a job, and the job he got led him to the ineffable world of science. Becoming absorbed in research he then entered what is colloquially called the ivory tower. However his withdrawal was temporary and he slowly drifted out. As he once put it: "Scientists are often accused of living in the "Ivory Tower" and not troubling their mind with realities and apart from my association with political movements in my juvenile years, I had lived in ivory tower up to 1930. But science and technology are as important for administration now-a-days as law and order. I have gradually glided into politics because I wanted to be of some use to the country in my own humble way.". In 1952 Saha was elected Member of the Parliament as an Union of Socialists and Progressives candidate from the North-West Calcutta constituency. He defeated his nearest Congress rival by an overwhelming margin. Welcoming Saha's election JBS Haldane said: "May I also be allowed to congratulate him on his recent successful reentry recently into politics. India (and Britain too) needs men who will bring some understanding of science to the government of the country. Even those who do not share his political views may rejoice that he can make his voice heard in the council of the people." He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Physics four times- 1930, 1937, 1939, 1940.".