Scientists, academicians laud Meghnad Saha’s contributions towards science, society

Experts and guests lauded the contributions of late Meghnad Saha (October 6, 1893–February 16, 1956) who as an astrophysicist helped to devise the theory of thermal ionization.

Three-day Meghnad Saha Memorial International Conference on Frontiers of Physics (MSMICFP-2023)’ organised by Allahabad University’s (AU) department of physics kick-started on Wednesday.

Prof Larry D McLerran delivering his talk at AU on Wednesday. (HT Photo)

Experts and guests lauded the contributions of late Meghnad Saha (October 6, 1893–February 16, 1956) who as an astrophysicist helped to devise the theory of thermal ionization. His Saha ionization equation allowed astronomers to accurately relate the spectral classes of stars to their actual temperatures.

Saha’s equation is considered one of the 10 most outstanding discoveries in astronomy and astrophysics. He was elected to the Parliament of India in 1952 but before that served as a professor at Allahabad University from 1923 to 1938.

The inaugural function was held at Senate Hall of AU and was graced by Herman Feshbach Prize and Pomeranchuk Prize winner and a senior professor at University of Washington, USA, Prof Larry D McLerran as the chief guest.

In his keynote address he spoke about the ‘Quantum Chromodynamics phase diagram’ and its various facets. He also emphasised the ‘quark hadron phase transition’ inside the core of the neutron stars and early universe.

The guest of honour, Prof Rajiv Gavai from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)-Bhopal discussed the contributions of legendary Prof Meghnad Saha towards science and society.

Special guest Prof AK Tyagi, vice chancellor, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi talked about the application of Physics for the betterment of society through scientific innovations and creative ideas. Special guest and noted physicist Prof AK Ghatak mesmerised the audience with his talk on the contribution of Indian scientists towards the growth of the country.

He also discussed about the pluralism in India and the eradication of poverty and social imbalance through science and technology.