Madame
Curie [1867-1934]
Dr. Marie Curie is known to the world
as the inventor of radioactive metals i.e. Radium & Polonium. Originally of Polish
descent, she settled down in France. She was of that rare breed of people who shied away
from the limelight. Apparently, life had different plans for her often with the spotlight
remaining focused on her because of her pioneering work in the field of Radioactivity. She
was a person of unique attributes, and one such lady who broke the gender barrier
prevalent at that age and who went on to be awarded the coveted Nobel Prize twice.
She was not merely associated with
re-defining scientific values; she was equally at home pioneering for social causes. Her
faith in science, her tenacity and her strong work ethics, allowed her to pursue and
realize her dreams. The pioneering spirit of Curie led the way for the discovery of
twenty-nine new radioactive isotopes in the period 1903-12. Her work has affected the
lives of people everywhere through application of radioactive principles in medicine,
communications and in industrial technology. A Sorbonne University scholar, she proved her
mettle working extensively during World War I. Madame Curie was perhaps an ideal
‘working parent’ who lived her life with the guiding thought: "Nothing in
life is to be feared. It is only to be understood." |
