D. S. Kothari ( Daulat Singh Kothari ) 1906 - 1993

Daulat Singh Kothari was an outstanding scientist and great educationist from India. Generally he was known as D. S. Kothari. His contribution to the whole spectrum of Indian education from elementary school to the university level is well-known. The most important work he did was to establish the defence Science centre to do research in electronic materials, nuclear medicine and ballistic science. He was a very talented personality.

D.S. Kothari was born on July 6, 1906 at Udaipur, in Rajsthan, India. His father, Shri Fateh Lal Kothari, was a school teacher. His father died in 1918 at the age of 38 years. At that time Kothari was just 12 years old. D. S. Kothari completed his secondary school in 1922 from Maharaja Shivajirao High School of Indore. After his matriculation he came back to Udaipur and entered in the Intermediate College. In his Intermediate Examination, which he passed in 1924, he stood first in the Rajputana Board. He got distinctions in physics, chemistry and Mathematics subject. For his excellent performance in Intermediate Examination, the Maharana of Mewar granted him a monthly scholarship of Rs. 50/- for pursuing higher studies. He passed his B. Sc in 1926 from the Allahabad University. He also passed M. Sc. in 1928 under guidance of great physicist Megh Nad Saha.

In 1934, He started his working career with Delhi University as reader, professor and Head of the Physics department. He worked there from 1934 to 1961. The Government of India appointed him as Scientific Advisor to the Ministry of Defence in 1948. He held the same post till 1961 and after that he was appointed as chairperson of University Grants Commission in 1961 where he worked till 1973. D S Kothari was General President of the Indian Science Congress in 1963. He was elected President of Indian National Science Academy in 1973. His notable research on Statistical Thermodynamics and Theory of White Dwarf Stars gave him international reputation. The Padma Bhushan Award was conferred on him in 1962 and the Padma Vibhushan Award in 1973. Daulat Singh kothari died on February 21, 1993. In honour of Kothari the Delhi University has established the D. S. Kothari Centre for Science, Ethics and Education.