Class 8 English Chapter 15 – Bibha Chowdhuri: The Beam of Light that Lit the Path for Women in Indian Science with easy NCERT Poorvi Notes and complete Book Solutions. Get simple explanations, important ideas, questions and answers, and revision material for effective learning and exam preparation.

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Class 8 English Poorvi

Unit 5 – Science and Curiosity
Bibha Chowdhuri: The Beam of Light that Lit the Path for Women in Indian Science

Bibha Chowdhuri, Indian physicist

Chapter Summary

Bibha Chowdhuri was an Indian physicist who made important contributions to cosmic rays and high-energy particle physics. She was born in Kolkata in 1913 and worked in a field that was largely dominated by men.

Through persistence and hard work, she studied at the University of Manchester under Nobel Laureate Patrick M. S. Blackett and completed research on cosmic rays. She later returned to India and became the first woman faculty member at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.

Her scientific work included research on cosmic rays and subatomic particles. She worked at important Indian research institutions, including TIFR, the Physical Research Laboratory and the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics.

Although she received little public recognition during her lifetime, her scientific contribution was later remembered. In 2019, the International Astronomical Union honoured her by naming a star Bibha. In 2020, the Government of India declared a chair professorship in her name.

The chapter then connects her pioneering work with women scientists working in Indian science and space research today. It shows how persistence, curiosity and scientific ability can help break barriers.

Key Points at a Glance

Point	Easy Explanation
Born	1913, Kolkata
Field	Physics, cosmic rays and particle physics
Manchester	She studied cosmic rays under Patrick M. S. Blackett.
TIFR	She became its first woman faculty member.
Research	Cosmic rays and subatomic particles
Star named Bibha	Her legacy was honoured by the International Astronomical Union.
2020 recognition	A chair professorship was declared in her name.

Important Vocabulary

Word	Easy Meaning
trailblazers	People who are the first to do something new
equitable	Fair and equal
defied the odds	Succeeded despite difficulties
towering	Very great or impressive
persistence	Continuing to work despite difficulty
delved	Studied something deeply
sceptical	Doubtful
notable	Important or remarkable
periphery	Outer edge or boundary
acclaim	Public praise
tenacity	Strong determination
ignite	To arouse or start something
autonomous	Independent
arduous	Very difficult and requiring effort
stark	Very clear
beacon	A person or thing that gives hope and guidance

Let us do these activities before we read.

I Work in pairs. What qualities do you associate with a scientist? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher. Complete the word web given below.

Qualities of a scientist

Curious
Creative
Patient
Hard-working
Observant
Logical
Persistent
Open-minded

II Some pictures of women scientists are given below. What do you know about their work? Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

Bibha Chowdhuri

Bibha Chowdhuri worked in physics, especially cosmic rays and particle physics. She became an important early woman scientist in India.

Chandrayaan-3 and India’s space science programme

Women scientists have also contributed to India’s space missions and other areas of science and technology.

Let us discuss

I Arrange the following events from Bibha Chowdhuri’s life in the correct order of occurrence. Share your answers with your classmates and teacher.

1. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) honoured her legacy by renaming a star in the constellation Leo—HD 86081—as ‘Bibha’.2. She became the first woman faculty member at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).3. Bibha Chowdhuri was born in pre-independent India.4. The Government of India declared a chair professorship in Bibha’s name.5. She joined the University of Manchester under the guidance of the celebrated Nobel Laureate, Patrick M.S. Blackett.6. She was nominated for a Nobel Prize by Erwin Schrödinger.

Correct order: 3 → 5 → 2 → 6 → 1 → 4

1913: Bibha Chowdhuri was born in Kolkata.

1945: She went to the University of Manchester to work under Patrick M.S. Blackett.

1949: She became the first woman faculty member at TIFR.

1950: She was nominated for a Nobel Prize by Erwin Schrödinger.

2019: A star was named Bibha in her honour.

2020: A chair professorship was declared in her name.

Let us think and reflect

I Read the given extracts and answer the questions that follow.

1. In 1945, Bibha’s academic journey took her to the University of Manchester. Under the guidance of the celebrated Nobel Laureate, Patrick M.S. Blackett, she delved deeper into the field of cosmic rays. Her Ph.D. thesis on cosmic rays earned local recognition, with newspapers introducing her as ‘India’s New Woman Scientist—She has an eye for Cosmic Rays’.

(i) Why is the mention of Patrick M.S. Blackett, a Nobel Laureate, significant in this extract?

It shows that Bibha studied under a highly respected scientist and received advanced guidance in the field of cosmic rays.

(ii) What can be inferred about the public perception of women scientists in the 1940s from the title given to her by the press ‘India’s New Woman Scientist’?

A. Women scientists were widely accepted and celebrated at that time.
B. The world was still doubtful about the capabilities of women scientists.
C. Women scientists were as common and renowned as men in the 1940s.
D. Women were not allowed to study sciences or pursue scientific careers.

Answer: B. The world was still doubtful about the capabilities of women scientists.

(iii) In the phrase ‘celebrated Nobel Laureate,’ the word ‘celebrated’ refers to all of the following EXCEPT someone who is

A. famous and highly respected
B. frequently seen in public
C. renowned for their achievements
D. well-regarded in their field

Answer: B. frequently seen in public

(iv) Complete the following sentence suitably.

The phrase ‘She has an eye for Cosmic Rays’ suggests that __________.

She had a special interest and ability in studying cosmic rays.

2. The journey from Bibha Chowdhuri’s era to today’s women scientists has been long and arduous, but it is also inspiring. The struggles Chowdhuri faced are a stark reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much further we have to go. But with every cosmic achievement—be it landing on the moon or reaching Mars—these women prove that the journey is well worth it. Bibha Chowdhuri’s legacy lives on. Her story continues to inspire young women to pursue their passions, break barriers, and leave their mark on the world. As the stars of Indian science shine brighter, Bibha Chowdhuri, the beacon–‘beam of light,’ will always guide the way.

(i) What can be inferred about the challenges faced by women scientists today, as compared to Bibha Chowdhuri’s era?

A. Women scientists no longer face any barriers.
B. The challenges remain, but progress has been made.
C. The struggles have become more difficult over time.
D. The struggles are the same as they were for Chowdhuri.

Answer: B. The challenges remain, but progress has been made.

(ii) The phrase ‘Bibha Chowdhuri’s legacy lives on’ suggests that __________.

Her work and example continue to be remembered and inspire people even after her death.

(iii) Why is Bibha Chowdhuri referred to as a ‘beacon’ and a ‘beam of light’ in the extract?

She is called a beacon because her life and work provide hope, guidance and inspiration to future generations. The name ‘Bibha’ also means ‘beam of light’.

(iv) State whether the following sentence is a fact or an opinion.

Bibha Chowdhuri was the beacon, the ‘beam of light’ whose story continues to inspire young women.

Answer: Opinion. It expresses the writer’s positive view of her influence.

II Answer the following questions.

1. Why is Bibha Chowdhuri considered a pioneer in the field of science?

She is considered a pioneer because she was one of the earliest Indian women to make important contributions to high-energy particle physics and cosmic-ray research. She also became the first woman faculty member at TIFR.

2. What does Bibha Chowdhuri’s nomination by Erwin Schrödinger tell us about her abilities?

It shows that her scientific work was highly respected by an eminent scientist and that her research was considered important.

3. Bibha Chowdhuri never worked for awards or recognition. Support this statement with evidence from the text.

The text says that she never received any awards during her lifetime, yet she continued her scientific work tirelessly. She remained focused on research rather than recognition.

4. How does the renaming of a star as ‘Bibha’ serve as both a literal and symbolic recognition of her contributions to science?

Literally, a star was named ‘Bibha’ in her honour. Symbolically, the name represents the light and guidance that her scientific work and life continue to provide.

5. How do the roles of women in ISRO today reflect broader changes in societal attitudes towards women in STEM in India?

Women today take important roles in scientific and space missions. This shows that opportunities for women in STEM have expanded compared with the period described in Bibha’s early career.

6. What is the writer’s purpose of highlighting the contributions of Bibha Chowdhuri and other modern women scientists?

The writer wants readers to know about their contributions and understand that women can make important contributions to science and technology.

7. How might this text help shape people’s perception of the role of women in other traditionally male-dominated fields?

It can help people understand that ability and dedication are not limited by gender. The examples can encourage greater recognition of women in different fields.

Let us learn

I Complete the crossword puzzle by filling in the antonyms from the clues given below in the table. You may refer to the text.

Clue	Answer
Across 4. core	periphery
Across 5. dependent	autonomous
Across 7. extinguish	ignite
Across 8. terrestrial	cosmic
Down 1. effortless	arduous
Down 2. weakness	tenacity
Down 3. neglect	acclaim
Down 6. trivial	notable

II Substitute the underlined phrase in the sentences with the suitable words from the box given below.

physicist luminaries pioneers peers barriers persistence

1. They are considered to be the first people to start the online markets.

Answer: pioneers

2. A scientist who studies matter, energy, light, etc.

Answer: physicist

3. Most of my friends are my classmates and are my age.

Answer: peers

4. We first welcomed all the famous and important people in folk song for the award ceremony.

Answer: luminaries

5. My brother finally succeeded in his business because of his continuous efforts and determination.

Answer: persistence

6. We should remove all the things that block our way in achieving success.

Answer: barriers

III The words ‘professorship’, ‘mentorship’, and ‘leadership’ are used in the text. These words are made by adding the suffix ‘-ship’ to the words ‘professor’, ‘mentor’ and ‘leader’. Similarly, we can make words by adding -ment and -hood to certain words.

Now, make words by adding suitable suffixes -ship, -ment, and -hood to the words given below. One example has been done for you.

achieve + ment = achievement

No.	Word	Answer
1	member	member + ship = membership
2	govern	govern + ment = government
3	partner	partner + ship = partnership
4	child	child + hood = childhood
5	citizen	citizen + ship = citizenship
6	entertain	entertain + ment = entertainment
7	brother	brother + hood = brotherhood
8	agree	agree + ment = agreement

IV The abbreviations—ISRO and STEM—used in the text are called acronyms because they are read or pronounced as full words. The grid given below has acronyms for the following. Circle the acronyms in the grid.

1. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
2. All India Institute of Medical Sciences
3. Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy
4. National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research
5. World Health Organization

ACBGAIIMS

YRTHAITAW

USWHOCMTJ

SAROFGCRT

HBNIPERBI

DGNOJTONM

EFNASAJEE

Answers:
1. NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration
2. AIIMS – All India Institute of Medical Sciences
3. AYUSH – Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy
4. NIPER – National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research
5. WHO – World Health Organization

Clipping

Clipping means making a shorter form of a longer word. The three main types are:

Back clipping: exam from examination
Front clipping: phone from telephone
Middle clipping: flu from influenza

V Read the following sentence from the text and the table that follows.

… the foundation was laid by early pioneers like Bibha Chowdhuri…

In passive voice, the subject receives the action.

Active: Early pioneers laid the foundation.
Passive: The foundation was laid by early pioneers.

Now, complete the following news report with the passive form of verbs given in the box below. (Remember that the verb must agree with the subject.)

discover test measure publish record take

Last year, significant advancements in medical science 1. __________ in leading medical journals when a new vaccine for malaria 2. __________. The vaccine 3. __________ through several clinical trials and results 4. _________ in those journals. During the trials, blood samples 5. __________ regularly from participants to monitor their immune response. The amount of antibodies produced 6. __________ carefully to assess the effectiveness of the vaccine.

1. were published
2. was discovered
3. was tested
4. were recorded
5. were taken
6. was measured

VI Read the following report of an experiment. Rewrite the report using passive verbs wherever necessary.

I conducted an experiment to investigate the effects of light on plant growth. I placed various plants under different light conditions and measured their growth over several weeks. I recorded data daily to track the height of each plant. At the end of the experiment, I analysed the results and found that plants exposed to natural light grew significantly taller than those under artificial light. I concluded that sunlight plays a crucial role in plant development. I presented my findings to the class, highlighting the importance of light in enhancing photosynthesis and overall plant health.

You may begin like this.

An experiment was conducted…

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of light on plant growth. Various plants were placed under different light conditions and their growth was measured over several weeks. Data were recorded daily to track the height of each plant. At the end of the experiment, the results were analysed. It was found that plants exposed to natural light grew significantly taller than those under artificial light. It was concluded that sunlight plays a crucial role in plant development. The findings were presented to the class, highlighting the importance of light in enhancing photosynthesis and overall plant health.

VII Read the instructions given in the box on landing of Chandrayaan. Complete the passage by choosing the correct answer from the options given.

Chandrayaan’s landing mission involves several key steps. First, the spacecraft 1.________ towards the Moon from the Earth. Then, it 2. ________ to enter the Moon’s orbit. After reaching the Moon’s orbit, the spacecraft’s path 3. ________ for landing. Next, the spacecraft 4. ________ as it nears the Moon’s surface. Finally, the rover 5.________ to explore the surface and collect valuable data.

Answers:
(i) A. launched
(ii) C. is positioned
(iii) C. is adjusted
(iv) C. is slowed down
(v) A. is released

Chandrayaan-3 mission image from ISRO

Let us listen

I You will listen to a podcast about Artificial Intelligence. As you listen, answer the following questions by selecting the correct options.

1. What is one of the key benefits of AI in the healthcare sector?

(i) Helps doctors communicate faster with patients.
(ii) Provides personalised treatments and faster diagnoses.
(iii) Focuses on cosmetic surgeries to improve appearance.

Answer: (ii) Provides personalised treatments and faster diagnoses.

2. How did AI play a crucial role during the global pandemic?

(i) AI robots monitored patient behaviour in hospitals.
(ii) AI assisted in speeding up the discovery of new medicines.
(iii) AI developed different types of vaccines by itself.

Answer: (ii) AI assisted in speeding up the discovery of new medicines.

3. What example was given regarding AI’s role in renewable energy?

(i) AI is optimising the placement of wind turbines and solar panels in cities.
(ii) AI is promoting alternative energy from wind turbines and solar panels.
(iii) AI is improving the performance of wind turbines and solar panels.

Answer: (iii) AI is improving the performance of wind turbines and solar panels.

4. What does AI offer to teachers in the field of education?

(i) Helps teachers assign grades more quickly.
(ii) Allows teachers to communicate better with students.
(iii) Helps teachers analyse student performance.

Answer: (iii) Helps teachers analyse student performance.

5. What is one of the user-friendly features that AI is enhancing for people with disabilities?

(i) Helps them find better jobs in the mainstream.
(ii) Improves speech recognition and voice command technologies.
(iii) Trains individuals to interact with robots.

Answer: (ii) Improves speech recognition and voice command technologies.

Let us speak

I Form a group of five. Conduct a panel discussion on the topic, ‘Evaluating the Impact of Mobile Phones—Beneficial or Harmful’. Each student will take on one of the following roles.

Suggested panel discussion

Moderator: Welcome everyone. Today we will discuss the impact of mobile phones. We will listen to different views before reaching our conclusion.

Principal: As a Principal, I believe mobile phones can disturb classroom discipline. Students may become distracted from their studies if phones are used without proper rules.

Teacher: From an educator’s perspective, mobile phones can be useful for learning. Students can use them for research, educational videos and online resources, but their use should have clear limits.

Parent: As a parent, I am concerned about excessive screen time. It can reduce family interaction and may affect children’s daily routines.

Student: As a student, I feel mobile phones can be useful for communication, learning and accessing information quickly. We should learn to use them responsibly.

Moderator: Thank you. The discussion shows that mobile phones can have different effects depending on how they are used.

Let us write

I Your school recently hosted the Zonal Science Exhibition, in which teams of students from 25 schools participated enthusiastically. As the student editor, write a report on the exhibition to be published in your school magazine. Use the cues given below with your own ideas to compose this report.

ZONAL SCIENCE EXHIBITION HELD AT OUR SCHOOL

By the Student Editor

The Zonal Science Exhibition was organised by the Education Department and hosted by our school on 12 September 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Teams from 25 schools participated enthusiastically. The exhibition was held to encourage scientific thinking, creativity and problem-solving among students. The event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, a senior science educator.

Several competitions were conducted, including Science Quiz and Science Models. Models on renewable energy, water conservation, robotics, space exploration and waste management were displayed. Students explained the working of their models to visitors and judges. The trophy for the best exhibit was awarded to the team whose model demonstrated an innovative solution for saving energy.

The Chief Guest appreciated the students’ creativity, scientific thinking and confidence. Visitors also showed great interest in the exhibits. The exhibition provided students with an opportunity to learn science through experimentation and teamwork.

Let us explore

I In the recent times, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are changing the way students learn. Let us know more about them.

Technology helps students explore scientific ideas in new ways.

Augmented Reality (AR) adds digital information or objects to the real environment. A student can use a device to see digital elements together with the real world.

Virtual Reality (VR) creates a computer-generated environment in which the user can feel immersed.

AR and VR can help students understand difficult concepts by allowing them to see and interact with objects and situations that may not be available in the classroom.

The NCERT e-Pathshala AR initiative is designed to support learning through technology and experimentation.

II The Government of India has come out with a new set of National Awards in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation known as ‘Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar’.

The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar recognises contributions in science, technology and technology-led innovation.

Award	Purpose
Vigyan Ratna	Recognises lifetime achievements and contributions in science and technology.
Vigyan Shri	Recognises distinguished contributions in science and technology.
Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar	Recognises exceptional contributions by young scientists up to 45 years.
Vigyan Team	Recognises exceptional contributions made by teams of three or more scientists, researchers or innovators.

III A glimpse of women pioneers from different fields.

Women have contributed to many areas such as physics, chemistry, medicine, mathematics, space science, engineering and technology. Bibha Chowdhuri’s story is one example of the contribution of women to Indian science.

Important Acronyms

Acronym	Full Form
STEM	Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
ISRO	Indian Space Research Organisation
TIFR	Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
IAU	International Astronomical Union
PRL	Physical Research Laboratory

Chapter Revision

Who was Bibha Chowdhuri?
She was an Indian physicist known for work related to cosmic rays and particle physics.

When was she born?
1913.

Where did she study under Patrick M.S. Blackett?
At the University of Manchester.

What was her major field of research?
Cosmic rays and subatomic particles.

Which institute made her its first woman faculty member?
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.

Who selected her for TIFR?
Homi J. Bhabha.

What happened in 2019?
The International Astronomical Union honoured her by naming a star Bibha.

What happened in 2020?
A chair professorship was declared in her name.

What is the main message of the chapter?
Scientific ability, persistence and curiosity can help people overcome barriers and contribute meaningfully to society.

Key Words for Exams

Trailblazer: A person who creates a new path for others.
Persistence: Continuing despite difficulties.
Tenacity: Strong determination.
Pioneer: One of the first people to work in a new area.
Cosmic: Related to the universe.
Autonomous: Independent.
Beacon: A source of hope or guidance.

Prepare this worksheet to practise important questions and revision exercises from Chapter 14 It will help you understand the chapter, revise key concepts, and prepare effectively for tests and exams.

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Class 8 English Chapter 15 – Bibha Chowdhuri: The Beam of Light that Lit the Path for Women in Indian Science | NCERT Notes & Book Solutions