ROWING up in 1920s India, it was almost unheard of for young women like Asima Chatterjee to pursue scientific study.
However, her achievements as a chemist were such that a Google Doodle is celebrating Dr. Chatterjee's 100th birthday – here is her story.
Asima Chatterjee was born in Bengal on September 23 1917, and grew up in Calcutta, one of India's largest cities.
Although at the time it was very unusual for women to study chemistry, she graduated from the University of Calcutta with honours in 1936.
Chatterjee then completed a master's degree in organic chemistry, before becoming the first woman in India to receive a Doctorate of Science in 1944.
Her research focused primarily on the medicinal properties of Indian plants, and contributed to developing drugs that treated epilepsy and malaria.
However, her most esteemed work came in the field of vinca alkaloids, which are used today in chemotherapy because they help slow down cancer cells from being multiplying.
Dr. Chatterjee's achievements led to her receiving various prestigious accolades, such as the Padma Bhushan – one of the highest civilian awards bestowed by the Indian government.
And in 1975 she became the first woman to be appointed general president of the Indian Science Congress.
She had one child, a daughter called Julie, with her husband Dr. Baradananda Chatterjee, and died in 2006 in her nursing home at the age of 90.
The world will remember her for ever for her contribution in the field of organic chemistry and phytomedicine.
Excellent story of our past.It was unthinkable at that time.I offer my sincere respect and honour for her achievement.
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