Spotlight: Kamala Sohonie – The Scientist Who Studied Neera
In the 1930s, when Indian women were largely excluded from higher scientific education, Kamala Sohonie broke barriers by becoming the first Indian woman to earn a PhD in a scientific discipline. Her research not only reshaped Indian biochemistry—it also led to the first formal scientific analysis of Neera, decades before it became a subject of revival.
Her Research on Neera
- Institution: Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
- Research Focus: Biochemical analysis of Neera and other food sources
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Key Findings:
- Neera is rich in Vitamin C and bioavailable iron
- It had the potential to combat malnutrition, especially among pregnant women and children
- It could serve as a natural, low-cost nutritional supplement in tropical diets
These findings were pathbreaking at a time when nutritional science was still in its infancy in India—and when the potential of traditional foods like Neera was often overlooked.
Legacy and Recognition
- Her work laid the foundation for nutritional policy planning in India, especially around iron deficiency and Vitamin C.
- In June 2023, Google India honored Kamala Sohonie with a Google Doodle, bringing renewed attention to her research—including her work on Neera.
- She is now remembered as a pioneer who not only challenged gender norms but also bridged traditional knowledge and modern science.
“She didn’t just open a test tube—she opened a door for generations of Indian women scientists and gave scientific weight to traditional foods like Neera.”