Rohini Godbole (1952-2024): The Physicist Who Bridged Science and Social Justice

In India, balancing a career in science while actively advocating for social issues is rare, especially for women. Rohini Godbole, a renowned physicist, stood out as a trailblazer who combined her scientific contributions with an unrelenting pursuit of gender and caste equity. Her journey inspires those who seek to merge passion for science with a commitment to societal change.

Early Life and Academic Journey

Born in 1952, Rohini grew up in an environment where women pursued both household responsibilities and their personal ambitions. However, her path to becoming a prominent particle physicist was not typical. She spent 12 years teaching at the University of Mumbai before she had the chance to focus exclusively on research. In 1995, she joined the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), which became her academic home and where she built her legacy in particle physics.

Her research had a global impact, with her prediction of a phenomenon known as the “Drees-Godbole Effect” guiding the design of next-generation particle colliders. Rohini’s accomplishments earned her prestigious recognitions, including the Padma Shri, fellowships in India’s top science academies, and, in 2021, the Ordre National du Mérite from France.

Champion for Women in Science

Over the years, Rohini took an active role in advocating for gender equality in Indian science, confronting biases that were deeply entrenched in academic and research institutions. In the early 2000s, she noticed the absence of women-centric discussions at scientific conferences and suggested adding sessions on gender to conferences organized by the Indian Academy of Sciences (IASc). At first, her suggestion was met with skepticism, but she remained undeterred, determined to make a difference.

In collaboration with fellow researchers, she conducted groundbreaking studies on the barriers women face in the sciences. One of her reports, co-authored with Anitha Kurup, Maithreyi R., and Kantharaju B., examined the reasons for high female attrition rates in Indian science fields. Her research debunked the common belief that family obligations were solely responsible for the attrition, highlighting the need for more transparent recruitment policies, gender-disaggregated data, and greater female representation on selection committees.

A Lasting Influence

The insights Rohini provided helped shape discussions on gender in science and influenced policies to create more inclusive scientific communities. Yet, she expressed frustration at the slow pace of change. “We need more support from men in the community and more commitment,” she once remarked, emphasizing that gender equality benefits everyone in the field of science.

In her later years, she remained hopeful. When the Science Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP) 2020 draft included a chapter on "Equity and Inclusion"—a milestone she contributed to with passion—Rohini was thrilled. This was the first time an Indian science policy officially addressed gender equity, a topic she had tirelessly championed.

Remembering Rohini: A Leader and Role Model

Rohini didn’t seek the role of an activist, but she became an icon for women in science by courageously confronting biases and demanding equality. She often expressed her frustrations about being seen only as an advocate rather than a scientist, despite her significant achievements in particle physics. Yet, she continued her advocacy, knowing her efforts were vital.

In a heartwarming New Year message sent on January 1, 2024, Rohini candidly reflected on her career, expressing gratitude for her friends, colleagues, and the places she’d traveled. Through her work, she showed us that advocating for justice is not separate from being a scientist—it’s an extension of the values that drive scientific inquiry: truth, fairness, and integrity.

Rohini Godbole’s legacy will endure in the policies she helped shape, the students she inspired, and the change she set in motion for generations to come. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion.

Reference from :- https://frontline.thehindu.com/other/obituary/rohini-godbole-indian-physicist-gender-equality-iisc-bangalore-women-stem-particle-physics-2024/article68798941.ece