Daulat Singh Kothari’s journey to Cambridge began when he was just 24 years old. At this time, India was still under British rule, and Kothari, hailing from Udaipur, sought to study under the renowned physicist Lord Ernest Rutherford at the Cavendish Laboratory. His family faced financial challenges following the death of his father, Fateh Lal Kothari, a school headmaster, during the 1918 plague epidemic. Despite these hardships, Kothari excelled at Allahabad University, where he caught the attention of physicist Meghnad Saha.

With the support of the Uttar Pradesh government, Kothari received a scholarship for his studies abroad. Additionally, Mewar State provided him with an interest-free loan of Rs 3,500, which he agreed to repay in monthly instalments upon his return. However, upon arriving in England, Kothari faced unexpected barriers to his ambitions.

At India House in London, a British officer informed him that he was being considered for admission to Oxford, but the Cavendish Laboratory was “totally out of question.” This news was disheartening for Kothari, yet he did not lose hope and continued to seek opportunities.

A Fortuitous Visit to Cambridge

One pivotal Sunday, Kothari was invited by a friend, Gulam Ali, to visit Cambridge. Their intention was to see the Cavendish building, which they assumed would be closed. To their surprise, they were welcomed by a woman who inquired about their visit. Upon mentioning Rutherford’s name, she escorted them to the library, where they found Rutherford engrossed in reading a journal.

Kothari introduced himself and explained that his teacher, Professor M.N. Saha, had written to Rutherford on his behalf. To Kothari’s astonishment, Rutherford acknowledged him, stating, “Oh, Mr Kothari, I am reading your paper right now. It is very interesting.” He encouraged Kothari to complete his admission formalities, with assistance from his secretary. This encounter marked a significant turning point in Kothari’s academic journey.

Following this meeting, Kothari was admitted to the Cavendish Laboratory, where he engaged in theoretical physics and astrophysics. He completed his doctorate in 1933, with his thesis receiving commendations from both Rutherford and physicist John Lennard-Jones, as noted in a report by H. Thirkill, President of Clare College.

Kothari’s research focused on the behaviour of matter under extreme pressure, exploring how increased pressure could lead to ionisation, even in the absence of heat. His work contributed to the understanding of dense stellar matter, including white dwarf stars. The British astrophysicist Arthur Eddington later recognised Kothari’s contributions, noting that he was among the first to articulate the effects of high pressure on ionisation.

After returning to India in April 1933, Kothari joined Delhi University in 1934, where he played a crucial role in establishing the Physics Department as a centre for research and education. Following India’s Independence, he was appointed as the first Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister on July 12, 1948, where he initiated the Defence Science Organisation, laying the groundwork for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

In 1961, Kothari became the chairman of the University Grants Commission, serving until 1973. He also chaired the Education Commission from 1964 to 1966, which produced a significant report on the educational framework in independent India. Kothari passed away on February 4, 1993, leaving behind a legacy that spanned from theoretical physics to the advancement of India’s defence and educational systems.

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