Nivedita for promotion of Science -1

Scientist Jagadish Chandra Bose met Nivedita in the year 1898. Before that he had already earned the name of a scientist and secured D.Sc. degree from London. His research work was appreciated by eminent scientists like Lord Kelvin, and many others. But such a world-renowned genius had to suffer much indignities and harassment at every step because he was one from a conquered country! Nivedita was deeply pained to observe that. She realized that the Indians were not incapable of doing great things but were incapacitated by the British. She thought it was a sacred national duty to stand by his side. Thus science-eccentric personality Dr. Jagadish Chandra Bose became her friend and child. Though he was ten years senior in age to Nivedita, we find from many of her letters that Dr. Bose was referred to as 'Khoka' (child) by her.

Whenever Dr. Bose would become mentally exhausted, having had to fight with a thousand and one obstacles, Nivedita would inspire him with motherly affection. She exerted her influence in many quarters of the Government bureaucracy to remove difficulties standing in the way of his scientific research work. She knew how much importance Swamiji attached to science for the regeneration of India. She openly advocated the case of Jagadish Chandra Bose before Miss. MacLeod and Mrs. Ole Bull and successfully brought them to his side.

Nivedita wrote to Mrs. Bull, "You know how to inspire a great man to do great work. Think about him (Dr. Jagadish Chandra Bose). You will achieve a greater kind of greatness, for he is kindness and perfection itself. You must protect him. Become a second mother for him as you are for Swamiji. Bose is sick of life, yet honestly anxious to hold on and on, just to prove his countrymen that their chances of success in experimental science are as great as those of any European!"

At the same time, with supreme discretion, Nivedita encouraged Bose to treat Mrs. Bull as a mother though the actual difference in their age was not much. She told him to keep her informed about his work, his aspirations. When Indian papers began to speak of his discoveries, he felt cheerful. When letters of congratulation arrived, he regained his confidence. He did not suspect that Nivedita was at back of them.

To be continue...