Anna Mani- The Indian Physicist

A quit trailblazer who let her work speak louder than words, she was more than just a scientist. She decided to follow her curiosity rather than tradition because she was born during the period when there were only few women scientists. Whether she was learning under brilliant minds or building tools for India’s weather, her enthusiasm remained strong and never faded. This is the story of a woman, The Indian Physicist who used wind measurement to subtly change the future.

Anna Mani, The Indian Physicist was born in 1918 in a small town in Kerala into a household that supported education and discipline which later shaped her path in research. From a young age she developed tremendous love for reading and a profound curiosity about the world around her. As a child she spent the majority of her time reading every possible book and this not only shaped her thinking but also led her to curious ideas in terms of science. She was raised in a well nurtured environment and Anna Mani was the daughter of a progressive Syrian Christian family of eight siblings who fostered education and ideas aspiring for a better future. They had an open view towards education especially towards the education of girls, which was a novelty back then.

Anna Mani’s educational experience reflected her dedication as well as her resilience. Anna completed her intermediate course in science at Women’s Christian College in Chennai and she graduated from Presidency College with a degree in physics with distinction in 1939. Anna Mani was in love with research and her research journey led her to the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, working under Nobel Laureate C.V. Raman on spectroscopy. She later went to further training related to meteorological instruments. Ms. Mani’s career was defined more by her contributions than formal designations.

Anna Mani began her career as a researcher at Indian Institute of science where she worked under C.V. Raman on the optical properties of crystals. In 1948 she joined the India Meteorological Department and began a productive career in architecting and develop weather instruments that allowed India to reduce some of its dependence on imported scientific instrument. She was first to begin research on monitoring of solar radiation and ozone. She helped in development of renewable energy and launched site assessments for both wind and solar energy. Anna Mani- the Indian Physicist worked continuously with colleagues on Indigenous solar pumps and published a collection of important technical reports. She retired from the IMD as Deputy Director General, yet continued her research elsewhere at leading institutes and was always respected as a thought leader in the areas of Environmental Science and policy.

She was respected with the award INSA K.R. Ramanathan Medal for her contributions in atmospheric science. These are just a few of her accomplishments, Anna Mani, The Indian Physicist consistently involved with several scientific organizations and committees at the international level throughout her life. In 2022 Google published a Doodle in honor of her 104th birth anniversary to recognize her legacy and contribution to science as The Indian Physicist. Anna Mani’s achievements continue to inspire scientific and environmental scientists till now.

1980- The Handbook for Solar Radiation data for India

1981- Solar Radiation over India

1992- Wind Energy Resource Survey in India

Anna Mani who is also known as The Weather Woman till now, was a modest and private person and was raised in Kerala in a household that openly supported her education and curiosity from a young age. Even with her busy life, she was close to her many siblings and lived a simple personal life. Anna was never married, so the vast majority of her time and energy was devoted to science and public service. Anna’s quiet determination and adherence to strong principles directed her professional and personal life.

Anna Mani’s commitment to scientific work remained strong in her later years as well and she continued her involvement in research even after her retirement from the Indian Meteorological Department. Anna Mani, The Indian Physicist faced health challenges in her later years but she remained an unshakeable spirit and never lost interest in work. Anna Mani lived a simple life but with great discipline and integrity, away from the public eye.  Anna Mani passed away in 2001 but leaves a significant legacy of integrity, innovation and dedication to science.

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Ans: Anna Mani was an Indian physicist and meteorologist and she was well known for her contributions to weather instruments and renewable energy research.

Ans: She launched weather instruments in India, conducted solar radiation and ozone studies and supported wind energy development.

Ans: She was awarded the INSA K.R. Ramanathan Medal in 1987.

Ans: No, she remained unmarried and devoted her life to science.

Ans: She passed away in 2001.