Ranjan Roy Daniel

Ranjan Roy Daniel (also referred to as R. R. Daniel or Rajan Roy) (11 August 1923 – 27 March 2005) was an Indian physicist who worked in the fields of cosmic rays and space physics, He also served as an advisor to the prime minister of India, Indira Gandhi in 1976. He worked in the field of cosmic rays with Homi Jehangir Bhabha for 23 years.

He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1992 by the Government of India, for his contributions to science and engineering.

Early life and education Daniel was born on 11 August 1923 in Nagercoil to M.A. Daniel Nadar and Theresa Chellammal Daniel. He was the third of five siblings. He received his early and secondary education at Scott Christian Higher Secondary School in his hometown, Nagercoil. After completing secondary school in 1939 from Scott Christian College, he went on to pursue a BSc in physics from Loyola College, Chennai, the University of Madras.

Career He joined Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in 1947 as a scientist.

Personal life He married Serena Padmini, second daughter of G.M. Samuel and Annammal Samuel, in 1948, and the couple had four children. After his retirement he returned to Nagercoil and lived in his daughter Lalitha's house. He was affectionately known as a simple man, and very few knew of his remarkable accomplishments. He died on 27 March 2005 after a prolonged illness. He is survived by 4 children (Lalitha, Ravindran, Amudha and Renjitha) and several grandchildren, all of whom live in the USA and India.