History is fascinating but not appreciated by everyone and given due credit. Our parents rarely encourage our engagement with History and thus we lose a lot. As a latecomer to the history of science, particularly, the Nobel laureates of India, I am (and perhaps you will be too) surprised about many less familiar names who were nominated but did not receive the prized “Nobel”. It is important to underscore that even the nomination for the Nobel Prize is an honor. We reintroduce the “forgotten” who are as important for the sake of history. Gandhi is the most prominent example who never received the Nobel Peace Prize but there are many more. It is now possible because the Nobel Foundation’s nominees’ database until 1967 is public.
I ask the youth to take a short quiz and check your facts or go straight to the link which will enable you to learn what you always wished to know but afraid to ask or research.
- Who was the first Nobel laureate (Person of Indian origin or citizen of India)? (1 point): (a) Kipling (b) Tagore (c) Ross (d) Gandhi
- When was the Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to an Indian? (1 point); (a) 1900s (b) 1910s (c) 1920s (d) 1930s (e) 1940s3.
- How many women in India received the Nobel Prize? (1 point): (a) one (b) two (c) more than two (d) none
- How many Nobel Prizes (zero to 2) were awarded to a person of Indian origin or citizen of India in the following areas? (6 points): (a)Physics (b) Chemistry (c) Physiology/Medicine (d) Peace (e) Literature (f) Economics
- Which Nobel Prize area (question 3) was not in Alfred Nobel’s original will and was added later? (1 point)
- Which area (question 3) of the Nobel Prizes the following were nominated for and/or received the Nobel Prize? (10 points)
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Radhakrishnan
- Vinoba Bhave
- Mother Teressa
- Shesadri
- Sri Aurbindo
- Hari Mohan Banerjee
- Satyendra Bose
- Upendra Brahamchari
- Amratya Sen
Thank you for showing the curiosity and courage to take the quiz. Now, check the facts in the link and see your score/Nobel history status.
>16 “Nobel” Genius 12-15 “Nobel” Superstar 10-11 “Nobel” Star 8-9 “Nobel” Enthusiast <8 Curious Learner