Anna Mani

As history reports, Anna Mani, born in 1918 in a Syrian Christian family in Kerala, made many valuable contributions in the field of physics and meteorology. Their research enabled India to make accurate weather forecasts and laid the groundwork for the country to harness renewable energy. Also known as the 'Weather Woman of India', Anna Mani was the seventh of eight children in her family. Physicist and Professor C.V. Research done under Raman.  Anna Mani, a Malayali researcher, is the only woman to reach the post of Deputy Director General of Indian Meteorological Department. Anna Mani's role in bringing India to the world level in weather observation and forecasting is not small. 23 Aug 1918 at Peerumet, Highrange, in Modail family, M.P. Anna was born as the seventh child of Mani and Annamma's eight children. Mother and grandmother were teachers. Father Mani was a civil engineer in Travancore Public Works Department.  Anna Mani graduated from Presidency College, Madras with a BSc Honors degree in Physics and Chemistry in 1939 and did research at the Indian Institute of Sciences under CV Raman. Malayali physicist KR Ramanathan also helped Anna's research work. The University of Madras refused to grant Anna a doctorate saying that an honors degree could not be considered a postgraduate degree. But this research paper is still preserved in Raman Archives, Bangalore.Anna Mani has also done research on the ozone layer. Anna Mani's discoveries about the importance of ozone in the atmospheric structure were recognized by the scientific world after two decades. In recognition of her contributions, Anna Mani was honored with membership in the International Ozone Commission.  Anna Mani's two books on solar radiation (Handbook of Solar Radiation Data for India 1980 and Solar Radiation over India 1981) are still the best scientific books available on the subject. Wind Energy Data of India 1983 was another book prepared on India's wind energy potential. They identified solar and wind energy availability areas in India based on climate and topography. After retirement, she also set up a factory in Bangalore to manufacture simple solar and wind energy equipment.  Besides being a member of International Radiation Commission, Indian National Science Academy and Indian Academy of Sciences, she was the President of Current Science Academy for five years. When the first rocket was launched from Thumpa in 1963, Anna Mani and his colleagues who came to Kerala on the invitation of Vikram Sarabhai prepared the atmospheric study systems required for the launch.  Anna Mani was a person who was actively involved in social issues. He was influenced by the Vaikom Satyagraha struggle at an early age. She was a fan of Gandhiji and followed Gandhian values ​​in her life. Anna Mani used khadar clothes till the end of her life. Died on 16th August 2001 in Thiruvananthapuram. As per their wishes, they were buried after their death without any religious rites.